鍛える To Forge

Meaning

Primary

To Forge

Alternatives

To Train, To Temper

Word Type

transitive verb, ichidan verb

Explanation

The kanji means forge, so the verb vocab version is to forge.

These days 鍛える more often means to train, in the sense of strengthening your body, sharpening your mind, or improving your skills over time. Think of it like you're a blacksmith, "forging" some aspect of yourself into a better version than before!

Reading

きたえる

Explanation

If you want to forge the strongest steel, you'll first have to master the keytar (きた) — you know, one of those keyboards you hold and play like a guitar. All that keytar training will strengthen your fingers, and turn you into the best blacksmith around.

Context

Context Sentences

毎日走って体を鍛えているんです。

I run every day to improve my physical fitness.

彼は海外で経験を積み、技術を鍛えました。

He gained experience overseas and honed his skills.

昔は、こうやってハンマーを使って鉄を打ち鍛えて形を整えていたんですよ。

In the old days, people used a hammer to forge iron, shaping it by repeatedly hammering it like this.

生まれたての頃からミッチリ鍛えたおかげで、息子は今ピアノの天才児と呼ばれています。

Thanks to the strict training I've given him since birth, my son is now called a child prodigy at piano.

Kanji Composition

1. 鍛

   たん Forge