Translation and Meaning of: 全力 - zenryoku

The Japanese word 全力 (ぜんりょく, zenryoku) carries significant weight both in the language and in Japanese culture. If you have ever watched anime, read manga, or even studied a bit of Japanese, you have likely encountered this expression. But what does it really mean? In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, everyday use, and how it reflects important values in Japan. Additionally, we will provide practical tips for memorizing it and understanding its context in common phrases.

The meaning and origin of 全力

全力 is composed of two kanji: 全 (zen), which means "complete" or "total," and 力 (ryoku), which represents "strength" or "power." Together, they form the idea of "total strength" or "with all possible effort." This word is often used to describe actions performed with maximum dedication, whether in work, studies, or even in daily activities.

The origin of 全力 dates back to classical Chinese, where the characters were already used in similar contexts. In Japan, it became part of everyday vocabulary, especially in situations that require effort and determination. Unlike some words that have fallen out of use, 全力 remains relevant and widely used to this day.

Cultural usage and frequency in Japan

In Japan, the idea of giving your best in everything you do is highly valued. Therefore, 全力 often appears in motivational speeches, sports training, and even in corporate environments. Companies and schools often encourage their employees and students to act with 全力, reinforcing the importance of continuous effort.

Moreover, the word is common in animes and dramas, especially in scenes of overcoming or decisive moments. Characters shouting "全力で行くぞ！" (I'm going to give it my all!) are a well-known cliché. This media use helps to solidify the term in the popular imagination, both in Japan and among Japanese learners around the world.

How to memorize and use 全力 in daily life

An effective way to memorize 全力 is to associate it with situations where you truly gave your best. For example, think of a moment when you pushed yourself to the limit to achieve a goal. This type of emotional connection helps to cement the term in your memory. Another tip is to practice with simple sentences, such as "今日は全力で頑張ります" (Today I will do my best).

It is worth remembering that 全力 is not used only in grand contexts. It can appear in everyday conversations, such as when someone says "全力でサポートします" (I will support you with all my might). Knowing when and how to use it can greatly enrich your vocabulary and understanding of the Japanese language.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 総力 (souryoku) - Total force; the total available forces.
• 全ての力 (subete no chikara) - All power; all forces, emphasizing the totality.
• ぜんりょく (zenryoku) - All power or effort; usually used to describe the highest capacity.

全力

Romaji: zenryoku
Kana: ぜんりょく
Type: noun
L: -

Translation / Meaning: all power; whole energy

Meaning in English: all one's power;whole energy

Definition: Do your best.

Example Sentences - (全力) zenryoku

See below some example sentences:

依頼を受けた仕事を全力でこなします。

Irai wo uketa shigoto wo zenryoku de konashimasu

I will do my best to do the job I have been given.

I will do my best to do the job I have been given.

• 依頼 - request, application
• を - direct object particle
• 受けた - received (past of the verb 受ける) receive
• 仕事 - work
• を - direct object particle
• 全力で - with all effort, with all strength
• こなします - accomplish, fulfill (verb こなす)

主催者はこのイベントを成功させるために全力を尽くします。

Shusaisya wa kono ibento wo seikou saseru tame ni zenryoku wo tsukushimasu

The organizer will do his best to make this event a success.

The organizer will do everything possible to make this event successful.

• 主催者 (shusai-sha) - organizer
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• この (kono) - this
• イベント (ibento) - event
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 成功 (seikou) - success
• させる (saseru) - make
• ために (tame ni) - for
• 全力 (zenryoku) - all the power
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 尽くします (tsukushimasu) - do the best we can

全力で頑張ります。

Zenryoku de ganbarimasu

I will do my best.

I will do my best with all my strength.

• 全力で - with full effort - with all power/strength
• 頑張ります - ganbarimasu - I'll make an effort

彼は敵を潰すために全力を尽くした。

Kare wa teki o tsubusu tame ni zenryoku o tsukushita

He gave it all of himself to crush the enemy.

He did his best to crush the enemy.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - topic particle in Japanese, used to indicate the subject of the sentence
• 敵 - Japanese noun that means "enemy"
• を - object particle in Japanese, used to indicate the direct object of the sentence
• 潰す - Japanese verb that means "to crush" or "to destroy."
• ために - Japanese expression that means "for" or "in order to"
• 全力を尽くした - Japanese expression that means "did your best" or "did everything you could"

私たちは家族を守るために全力を尽くします。

Watashitachi wa kazoku o mamoru tame ni zenryoku o tsukushimasu

We will do our best to protect the family.

• 私たちは - "We"
• 家族を - "Family"
• 守るために - "To protect"
• 全力を尽くします - "We'll do our best"

私たちは任務を完了するために全力を尽くします。

Watashitachi wa ninmu o kanryou suru tame ni zenryoku o tsukushimasu

We will do our best to complete the mission.

• 私たちは - We
• 任務を - mission
• 完了する - complete
• ために - for
• 全力を尽くします - do our best

私たちは目論見を達成するために全力を尽くします。

Watashitachi wa mokuroumi o tassei suru tame ni zenryoku o tsukushimasu

We will do our best to achieve our perspectives.

• 私たちは - We
• 目論見 - Plan, objective
• を - object particle
• 達成する - Achieve, accomplish
• ために - to, with the objective of
• 全力を尽くします - We'll do our best