robust, manhood, prosperity
On'yomi (音読み)
- ソウ
Kun'yomi (訓読み)
- さかん
About this kanji
The kanji 壮 (そう) primarily means "robust" or "magnificent" and is often used in nouns rather than verbs. You will come across it in compounds like 壮行 (そうこう), which means a lively send-off, often for someone embarking on a journey. Another common compound is 壮大 (そうだい), meaning magnificent, conveying a sense of grandeur. The term 壮年 (そうねん) refers to the prime of life, highlighting a period of strength and vitality. Additionally, 壮絶 (そうぜつ) describes something that is heroic and intense, often in the context of battles or bravery. A usage note to remember is that while it connotes strength and majesty, it may also evoke a sense of glory in both positive and serious contexts.
Example sentences
壮大な景色に心を奪われた。
I was captivated by the magnificent scenery.
Meanings across languages
- English
- robust, manhood, prosperity
- Tiếng Việt
- mạnh mẽ
- 日本語
- 壮大
- 한국어
- 건장
- 中文
- 壮
- id
- kuat
- th
- แข็งแรง
- es
- robusto
- fr
- robuste
- de
- kräftig
- pt
- robusto
Common compounds
- 壮行そうこう(rousing) send-off, farewell
- 壮大そうだいmagnificent, grand, majestic
- 壮年そうねんprime of life
- 悲壮ひそうtragic but brave, heroic, grim
- 壮絶そうぜつheroic, fierce, grand
- 勇壮ゆうそうheroic, brave, majestic
- 壮観そうかんmagnificent spectacle, thrilling sight, grand view
- 強壮きょうそうable-bodied, robust, sturdy
Want to actually learn this kanji?
The dictionary is one view. The Kanji 360 app wraps every character with mnemonic images, audio readings, stroke-order animation, story context, and SRS scheduling — free to start on iPhone, iPad, and Android.