鍛(きた)える

きたえる
ichidan verb
to train, to work out; to forge, to temper
1. to train, to work out, to build up, to discipline
To strengthen the body or mind through repeated exercise or practice. Often used for physical training but also applies to mental discipline.
毎日(まいにち)体(からだ)を鍛(きた)えている。
I train my body every day.
水泳(すいえい)で足腰(あしこし)を鍛(きた)える。
I strengthen my legs and lower back through swimming.
厳(きび)しい練習(れんしゅう)で精神力(せいしんりょく)を鍛(きた)えた。
I built up my mental strength through rigorous practice.
2. to forge, to temper
To heat and hammer metal repeatedly to make it stronger. The original meaning from metalworking, now less common in everyday use.
刀(かたな)を鍛(きた)える職人(しょくにん)は少(すく)なくなった。
There are fewer craftspeople who forge swords now.

鍛(きた)える originally meant to forge metal, but in modern Japanese it most commonly means to train or strengthen the body or mind.

CONJUGATION:

Ichidan verb.

  • Negative: 鍛(きた)えない
  • Polite: 鍛(きた)えます
  • Te-form: 鍛(きた)えて
  • Past: 鍛(きた)えた
  • Passive: 鍛(きた)えられる

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 体(からだ)を鍛(きた)える: to train one's body
  • 足腰(あしこし)を鍛(きた)える: to strengthen one's legs and back
  • 精神(せいしん)を鍛(きた)える: to discipline one's mind
  • 筋肉(きんにく)を鍛(きた)える: to build muscle
general
Added 2026.2.21 11:56
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