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How to Say ‘It's uphill, so a bit firmer.’ in Japanese

上りなので、少し強めに。

nobori na no de sukoshi tsuyome ni

[noh-BOH-ree nah noh deh soo-koh-shee tsoo-YOH-meh nee]

💬 Usage Tip: The sentence just stops at 強めに, which is natural in advice because "hit it" is understood. Japanese often drops the verb when it's obvious.

Phrase Breakdown

上りなので、

nobori na no de

since it's uphill,

上り (nobori) means 'uphill'. なので (na node) gives the reason. Pause slightly at the comma.

Example

上りなので、疲れます。

Since it's uphill, it's tiring.

Words in this phrase

上り

nobori

[noh-BOH-ree]

uphill (slope)

Noun for an upward slope; an uphill putt.

Example

このグリーンは上りです。

This green is uphill.

な

na

[nah]

(connector before ので)

Form of the copula だ used before ので after a noun.

Example

雨なので、休みます。

Because it's rain, I'll rest.

の

no

[noh]

(part of ので 'because')

Forms ので together with で to give a reason.

Example

遅いので帰ります。

It's late, so I'll go home.

で

de

[deh]

(part of ので 'because')

Completes ので, meaning 'because; so'.

Example

上りなので強く打つ。

It's uphill, so hit hard.

少し強めに。

sukoshi tsuyome ni

a little harder

少し (sukoshi) means 'a little'. 強めに (tsuyome ni) means 'on the strong side'. Say 'skoshi tsu-yo-me-ni'.

Example

少し強めに押してください。

Please push a little harder.

Words in this phrase

少し

sukoshi

[soo-koh-shee]

a little; slightly

Used to soften statements (a little fever, slightly late). Common when explaining mild symptoms.

Example

少し熱があります。

There is a slight fever.

強め

tsuyome

[tsoo-YOH-meh]

a bit stronger; on the strong side

Adjective stem + め meaning 'somewhat more'.

Example

強めに打ってください。

Please hit it a bit firmer.

に

ni

[nee]

(adverb-forming particle)

Turns 強め into an adverb: 'firmly'.

Example

少し弱めにします。

I'll make it a bit softer.

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