Translation and Meaning of: 勢力 - seiryoku

The Japanese word 勢力[せいりょく] is a term that frequently appears in political, historical, and even everyday contexts. If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the meaning and use of this expression, you have come to the right place. Here, we will explore everything from its translation and origin to how it is perceived in Japanese culture. Whether to better understand a text or simply to expand your vocabulary, this guide will help you.

In the Suki Nihongo dictionary, 勢力 is defined as "power," "influence," or "force," but its meaning goes beyond the literal sense. It carries nuances that reflect social dynamics, competition, and even the distribution of power in different spheres. Let's unveil these layers and discover how this word is used in practice.

Meaning and translation of 勢力 [せいりょく]

The most common translation of 勢力 is "power" or "influence," but it can also mean "force" in a broader sense. Unlike words like 力[ちから], which refers to physical strength, 勢力 is more related to collective power, the capacity of a group or entity to exert control or impact over something. For example, in a political context, it can describe the influence of a party or nation.

Another interesting aspect is that 勢力 can be used to describe the expansion of something, like the "area of influence" of a company or even the spread of a natural phenomenon. This flexibility allows the word to appear in various scenarios, from news to everyday discussions. Its use is not limited to formal contexts but also appears in informal conversations when talking about competition or rivalry.

Origin and composition of the kanjis 勢力

The word 勢力 is composed of two kanji: 勢 and 力. The first, 勢, conveys the idea of "force," "energy," or "tendency," while 力 means "power" or "strength." Together, they reinforce the notion of an active power, something that exerts influence or dominance. This combination is not random and accurately reflects the overall meaning of the word.

It is worth noting that 勢 by itself already appears in other words related to energy and movement, such as 勢い[いきおい], which means "impulse" or "vigor." On the other hand, 力 is one of the most basic and well-known kanji, present in terms such as 努力[どりょく] (effort) and 能力[のうりょく] (ability). Understanding these components helps to memorize the meaning of 勢力 and recognize it in different contexts.

Cultural usage and frequency of 勢力 in Japan

In Japan, 勢力 is a word that appears frequently in discussions about politics, business, and even in news about natural disasters. For example, it is common to hear about 台風の勢力[たいふうのせいりょく] (the strength of a typhoon) or 政治勢力[せいじせいりょく] (political influence groups). Its use reflects the importance of the balance of power in Japanese society.

Additionally, the word also carries historical weight. During the feudal period, for example, different clans competed for 勢力 in the country, and this term was used to describe their territorial and military influence. Today, although the context has changed, the word maintains its relevance, especially in analyses of economics and international relations. Those studying advanced Japanese or interested in history will encounter it frequently.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 勢い (Ikioi) - Strength, vigor, or energy, often referring to the dynamic energy of something.
• 力量 (Ryoku) - Power or physical ability, emphasizing a person's skill or strength.
• 威力 (Iryoku) - Impressive power or strength, often related to weapons or supernatural abilities.
• 強さ (Tsuyosa) - Strength or physical solidity, referring to resistance and robustness.
• 影響力 (Eikyouryoku) - Power of influence, the ability to affect or change the behavior or opinion of others.

勢力

Romaji: seiryoku
Kana: せいりょく
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: influence; power; power; strength; power; strength; energy; energy

Meaning in English: influence;power;might;strength;potency;force;energy

Definition: To have influence over others or things.

Example Sentences - (勢力) seiryoku

See below some example sentences:

その勢力は強大だ。

Sono seiryoku wa kyoudai da

This strength is powerful.

Power is powerful.

• その - demonstrative pronoun meaning "that"
• 勢力 - noun meaning "power" or "influence"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 強大 - Adjective that means "strong" or "powerful"
• だ - auxiliary verb that indicates present in the affirmative form