verb HSK 5
Traditional 增強
zēng qiáng
to strengthen · to enhance · to reinforce

Meaning

增强 means to make something stronger, more powerful, or more effective. It applies to both physical strength and abstract qualities like abilities, relationships, confidence, or systems. The word combines 增 (to increase) and 强 (strong), literally meaning 'to increase strength.'

Usage

增强 is commonly used in formal and semi-formal contexts, particularly in writing, news, academic texts, and professional settings. It frequently appears with abstract nouns like 意识 (awareness), 能力 (ability), 信心 (confidence), and 体质 (physical fitness). Native speakers often use it to discuss improvements in capabilities or intensification of qualities.

Examples

  1. 01
    经常锻炼可以增强免疫力。
    Jīng cháng duàn liàn zēng qiáng miǎn .
    Regular exercise can strengthen immunity.
  2. 02
    这次培训帮助我们增强了团队合作能力。
    Zhè péi xùn bāng zhù men zēng qiáng le tuán duì zuò néng .
    This training helped us enhance our teamwork abilities.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 增强体质
    zēng qiáng zhì
    to strengthen one's physique
  • 增强意识
    zēng qiáng shí
    to enhance awareness
  • 增强信心
    zēng qiáng xìn xīn
    to strengthen confidence
  • 增强能力
    zēng qiáng néng
    to enhance capability

Antonyms

Origin

Both characters have ancient origins. 增 originally depicted adding earth to build up land, while 强 showed a strong insect (possibly a beetle). Together they form a modern compound meaning to increase strength.

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