Toughen up Meaning in English
expression
ˈtəfən/ /ˈəp
TUHF-uhn UHP
tˈʌfən/ /ˈʌp
TUHF-uhn UHP
Definition
To become stronger, more resilient, or less sensitive, especially emotionally or mentally. Often used when encouraging someone to face difficulties without complaining.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and sometimes blunt. Often used to encourage people to be braver or stop complaining, but can sound unsympathetic. Common in sports, workplaces, or when giving advice. Not usually suitable in sensitive situations.
Spanish: endurecerse - volverse más fuerte (emocionalmente)Portuguese (BR): endurecer-se - ficar mais forte (emocionalmente)Portuguese (PT): endurecer-se - tornar-se mais forte (emocionalmente)Chinese (Simplified): 变得坚强 - 变得强硬Chinese (Traditional): 變得堅強 - 變得強硬Hindi: मजबूत बनना - कठोर होनाArabic: تشدد - أصبح أقوى (عاطفياً)Bengali: কঠিন হওয়া - শক্ত হওয়াRussian: закалиться - стать жёстчеJapanese: 強くなる - 精神的に鍛えるVietnamese: cứng cỏi lên - mạnh mẽ lênKorean: 강해지다 - 단단해지다Turkish: güçlenmek - sertleşmekUrdu: حوصلہ مضبوط کرنا - سخت ہوناIndonesian: menjadi kuat - menguatkan diri
Example Sentences
You need to toughen up if you want to be a firefighter.
basic
The coach told us to toughen up during practice.
basic
Sometimes you just have to toughen up and keep going.
basic
Stop whining—it's time to toughen up.
natural
She had to toughen up after moving to the big city.
natural
Kids today should learn to toughen up when facing problems.
natural