Translation and Meaning of: 力 - chikara

If you are learning Japanese, you may have already come across the word 力[ちから]. This small word carries a powerful meaning and appears in various contexts, from everyday conversations to philosophical expressions. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, practical use, and even some curiosities that will help you understand why it is so important in the Japanese language.

In addition to being a common word, 力 is also part of many compound terms and cultural expressions. If you have watched anime or read manga, you have probably seen it used in situations of effort, energy, or even conflict. Let's unravel all of this simply and straightforwardly, so you can use 力 with confidence in your learning.

The meaning and origin of 力

The word 力[ちから] means "strength," "power," or "energy" in Japanese. It can be used in both physical sense, such as muscular strength, and in abstract sense, like willpower. Its kanji, 力, is one of the oldest and most recognizable in the Japanese language, appearing in classical texts and even in names of martial arts.

The kanji 力 has its origins in the pictographic representation of a flexed arm, symbolizing effort or ability. This image directly relates to the concept of physical strength, but over time, its meaning expanded to include ideas such as skill, influence, and determination. Today, it is used in various combinations, such as 努力[どりょく] (effort) and 能力[のうりょく] (skill).

How 力 is used in everyday life

In daily life, Japanese people use 力 in situations ranging from work to sports. Phrases like "力を入れて" (put in effort) are common in training or motivation contexts. Additionally, it appears in popular expressions such as 力になる (to be helpful, literally "to become strength"), demonstrating how the concept is rooted in communication.

Another interesting use is in combinations with other kanjis, forming words that describe different types of strength. For example, 体力 [たいりょく] means "physical strength," while 学力 [がくりょく] refers to "academic ability." These variations show how the word adapts to multiple contexts, always maintaining its essence of energy and potential.

Curiosities and tips for memorizing 力

An effective way to memorize 力 is to associate it with images or situations that involve effort. For example, think of a sumo wrestler using all his 力 to win a match. This type of visualization helps to solidify not only the meaning but also the kanji, which itself already suggests movement and action.

Another curiosity is that 力 appears in many names of martial arts techniques and even in titles of animes and mangas, such as "Dragon Ball" (where the quest for more power is a central theme). If you're a fan of Japanese pop culture, this can be a great way to reinforce learning while having fun.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 筋力 (Kinryoku) - Muscle strength
• 勢力 (Seiryoku) - Power (or influence) in a social or political context
• 力量 (Rikiryō) - Physical capacity or strength in a broader sense
• 能力 (Nōryoku) - Skill or mental ability
• 強さ (Tsuyosa) - Strength, in general terms, can refer to resistance or intensity.

力

Romaji: chikara
Kana: ちから
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: Strength; power; energy; force; emphasis; Efforts; enterprises; efficiency; help; support; capacity; ability; conquest; means; resources; authority; influence; agency; good offices; faculty; stress.

Meaning in English: force;strength;energy;might;power;agency;authority;influence;vigor;stress;emphasis;exertions;endeavors;efficacy;help;support;good offices;ability;faculty;capability;attainment;means;resources

Definition: An action that acts on an object or substance to alter its state.

Example Sentences - (力) chikara

See below some example sentences:

彼の努力が成程、成功へと繋がった。

Kare no doryoku ga naruhodo, seikou e to tsunagatta.

His effort, in fact, led to success.

His effort really resulted in success.

• 彼 (かれ, kare): he
• の (no): possessive particle (of)
• 努力 (どりょく, doryoku): effort
• が (ga): subject particle
• 成程 (なるほど, naruhodo): in fact
• 成功 (せいこう, seikou): success
• へ (e): direction particle (to)
• と (to): citation particle (here, indicating result)
• 繋がった (つながった, tsunagatta): connected, took to

頂点を目指して努力し続ける。

Chouten wo mezashite doryoku shitsuzukeru

Keep striving to reach the top.

Keep aiming for the top.

• 頂点 - top, peak
• を - direct object particle
• 目指して - To aim, to have as a goal
• 努力 - effort, commitment
• し続ける - keep doing

言葉は力を持っている。

Kotoba wa chikara wo motte iru

The words have power.

The words have power.

• 言葉 (kotoba) - word
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 力 (chikara) - strength, power
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 持っている (motteiru) - Land, possess

握りしめる力強さが大切です。

Nigirishimeru chikaradzuyosa ga taisetsu desu

The force of holding firmly is important.

The strength to understand is important.

• 握りしめる - Verb that means "to squeeze tightly in the hand".
• 力強さ - Noun that means "strength, vigor, robustness".
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 大切 - Adjective meaning "important, valuable, precious".
• です - Auxiliary verb that indicates the polite or respectful way of expressing an idea.

女王は国を治める力を持っている。

Joou wa kuni wo osameru chikara wo motte iru

The Queen has the power to govern the country.

The Queen has the power to govern the country.

• 女王 - Means "queen" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle in Japanese.
• 国 - "País" significa "国" (kuni) em japonês.
• を - Object particle in Japanese.
• 治める - means "to govern" or "manage" in Japanese.
• 力 - means "power" or "strength" in Japanese.
• を - Object particle in Japanese.
• 持っている - means "to have" or "to possess" in Japanese.

障害を乗り越える力を持っています。

Shougai wo norikoeru chikara wo motteimasu

I have the power to overcome the disability.

• 障害 (shougai) - Obstacle, impediment
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 乗り越える (norikoeru) - Overcome, conquer
• 力 (chikara) - strength, power
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 持っています (motteimasu) - possess, have

集団行動は力を発揮する。

Shuudan koudou wa chikara wo hakki suru

Collective behavior is powerful.

• 集団行動 - means "group action".
• は - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "group action".
• 力 - means "strength" or "power".
• を - grammatical particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case, "force" or "power".
• 発揮する - means "display" or "demonstrate".

砕く力を持っている。

Tsunaku chikara wo motteiru

I have the power to break.

It has the power to break.

• 砕く - Verb that means "break", "smash" or "crush".
• 力 - noun that means "strength" or "power".
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 持っている - Compound verb that means "to have" or "to possess".

速力を発揮する。

Sokuryoku wo hakki suru

Demonstrate speed and strength.

Demonstrate speed.

• 速力 - Speed
• を - Direct object particle
• 発揮 - Demonstration, display
• する - Verb "to do"

連合は強い力を持っています。

Rengō wa tsuyoi chikara o motte imasu

Unity has great power.

The Union has a strong power.

• 連合 (rengou) - means "union" or "coalition"
• は (wa) - topic particle, indicates that the subject of the sentence is "連合"
• 強い (tsuyoi) - adjective meaning "strong"
• 力 (chikara) - noun that means "strength" or "power"
• を (wo) - object particle, indicates that "力" is the direct object of the sentence
• 持っています (motteimasu) - verb meaning "to have" or "to possess", in the present continuous