Strong
Use for objects that are durable or tough, meaning 'resistant'.
Use for people or things that are sturdy or 'robust', like a table or a person with a solid build.
Use for things with power, like an engine or a blender. It means 'powerful'.
My brother is very strong.
This coffee is too strong for me.
We need a stronger (more resistant) box.
The table is robust/sturdy, it's not going to break.
The word 'fuerte' is universally understood and is the most common way to say 'strong' across all Spanish-speaking countries.
'Fuerte' is standard. In casual conversation, you might hear 'macizo' to describe something as solid or tough, but it's informal.
'Fuerte' is the correct term. The slang word 'berraco' can imply toughness or strength, but it's very informal and has other complex meanings. Stick with 'fuerte'.
'Fuerte' is the primary adjective. For a very muscular person (a strongman), the noun 'forzudo' is sometimes used, but 'fuerte' is the go-to adjective.
'Fuerte' is standard. You might hear the slang 'groso,' which means 'great' or 'awesome' and can imply capability, but it doesn't directly translate to 'strong'.
La mujer es fuerta. — La mujer es fuerte. — Adjectives that end in '-e', like 'fuerte', do not change for gender. It's 'el hombre fuerte' and 'la mujer fuerte'. You don't change the ending to '-a' for feminine nouns.
El café es duro. — El café es fuerte. — 'Duro' means 'hard' to the touch. For strong flavors (like coffee), smells, or intense experiences (like a hug), the correct word is 'fuerte'.
Él está fuerte. — Él es fuerte. — Use 'ser' ('es') to describe a permanent characteristic (He is a strong person). Use 'estar' ('está') to describe a temporary state or change ('Él está más fuerte' means 'He is stronger now'). For a general description, 'es fuerte' is correct.
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