1.
formidable person, tough competitor, veteran
A person with exceptional skill or strength in a particular area. Often used admiringly to describe someone who is impressively capable or experienced.
彼はなかなかの強者だ。
He's quite a formidable opponent.
今年の大会には強者が揃っている。
This year's tournament has a lineup of strong competitors.
業界で三十年の経験を持つ強者が、新人を指導している。
A veteran with thirty years of experience in the industry is mentoring the newcomers.
2.
warrior, soldier
A brave fighter or soldier. This is the original meaning, now mainly used in literary or historical contexts.
夏草や強者どもが夢の跡。
Summer grasses — all that remains of warriors' dreams.
Famous haiku by Matsuo Bashou.
古の強者たちの物語が語り継がれている。
Stories of warriors of old are passed down through generations.
戦場で数多くの強者が命を落とした。
Many warriors lost their lives on the battlefield.
USAGE:
In modern Japanese, sense 1 is more common. The word carries a tone of admiration and respect. Often used to describe someone who is impressively skilled or tough, whether in sports, business, or other competitive fields.
READING NOTE:
The same kanji 強者 can be read as きょうしゃ, which is a more formal, Sino-Japanese reading meaning "the strong" (as opposed to 弱者, "the weak"). The native Japanese reading つわもの carries more of a sense of individual prowess.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 強者が揃う: strong competitors are assembled
- なかなかの強者: quite a formidable person
- 強者ぞろい: a group of formidable people