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:

彼女に近付けるように努力しています。

Kanojo ni chikazukeru you ni doryoku shiteimasu

I'm trying hard to get closer to her.

I'm trying to get closer to her.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - "Ela" significa "彼女" (kanojo) em japonês.
• に (ni) - a particle that indicates the target or recipient of the action
• 近付ける (chikazukeru) - a verb meaning "to approach"
• ように (youni) - an expression meaning "so as"
• 努力しています (doryokushiteimasu) - a verb meaning "I am trying hard"

彼女は優れる能力を持っています。

Kanojo wa sugureru nouryoku wo motteimasu

She has excellent skills.

She has excellent ability.

• 彼女 - she
• は - Topic particle
• 優れる - be excellent
• 能力 - Skill, capacity
• を - direct object particle
• 持っています - Land, possess

彼女は自分の能力を現すことができた。

Kanojo wa jibun no nouryoku wo arawasu koto ga dekita

She was able to show her skills.

• 彼女 - she
• は - Topic particle
• 自分 - yourself
• の - Possessive particle
• 能力 - Skill, capacity
• を - direct object particle
• 現す - show, demonstrate
• こと - verb noun
• が - subject particle
• できた - be able to, achieve

我々の戦力は強力です。

Wareware no senryoku wa kyōryoku desu

Our strength is mighty.

• 我々の戦力 - "Our combat force"
• は - Topic particle
• 強力 - "Powerful"
• です - polite way of "to be"

打撃は強力な攻撃手段です。

Dageki wa kyōryoku na kōgeki shudan desu

Knock is a powerful mean attack.

• 打撃 - means "blow" or "physical attack".
• は - Grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 強力な - adjective meaning "powerful" or "strong."
• 攻撃手段 - means "means of attack" or "way of attacking".
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form.

打ち消しの力は強いです。

Uchikeshi no chikara wa tsuyoi desu

The power of denial is strong.

The power of cancellation is strong.

• 打ち消し (uchikeshi) - means "deny" or "cancel"
• の (no) - particle that indicates possession or relationship between words
• 力 (chikara) - means "strength" or "power"
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 強い (tsuyoi) - Adjective that means "strong" or "powerful"
• です (desu) - Verb "to be" in polite form

推進力が必要です。

Suishinryoku ga hitsuyou desu

We need impulse strength.

You need propulsion.

• 推進力 - propulsion force
• が - subject particle
• 必要 - necessary
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

暴力は決して正当化されるべきではありません。

Bouryoku wa kesshite seitouka sareru beki de wa arimasen

A violência nunca deve ser justificada.

Violence should never be justified.

• 暴力 - violence
• は - Topic particle
• 決して - never, in any way
• 正当化 - justification, legitimation
• される - passive form of the verb "to do"
• べき - it should
• ではありません - formal denial of the polite form of "being"

有力な証拠が必要です。

Yūryoku na shōko ga hitsuyō desu

We need convincing evidence.

You need powerful evidence.

• 有力な - adjective that means "powerful" or "strong"
• 証拠 - noun that means "proof" or "evidence"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 必要 - adjective meaning "necessary" or "essential"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

海流は大きな力を持っています。

Kairyuu wa ookina chikara wo motteimasu

The sea current has great power.

• 海流 - It means "ocean current" in Japanese.
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 大きな - Adjective that means "big" or "important" in Japanese.
• 力 - noun meaning "force" or "power" in Japanese
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 持っています - verb that means "to have" or "to possess" in Japanese, conjugated in the present affirmative