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:

私たちは力を合わせてこのプロジェクトを完成させます。

Watashitachi wa chikara o awasete kono purojekuto o kansei sasemasu

Let's join our forces to complete this project.

We will work together to complete this project.

• 私たちは - "We"
• 力を合わせて - "Joining forces"
• この - "This"
• プロジェクトを - "Project"
• 完成させます - "We will complete"

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

自分の努力で才能が殖える。

Jibun no doryoku de sainou ga fuetoru

Your talent will grow with your own efforts.

• 自分 - personal pronoun that means "myself"
• の - particle that indicates possession, in this case, "my"
• 努力 - noun meaning "effort, endeavor"
• で - particle that indicates means, in this case, "through"
• 才能 - noun that means "talent, skill"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "talent"
• 殖える - Verb that means "to grow, increase"

自ずから努力することが成功への鍵です。

Jizukara doryoku suru koto ga seikou e no kagi desu

The key to success is working hard.

• 自ずから - on its own, naturally
• 努力すること - strive, dedicate
• 成功への - towards success
• 鍵 - key

観念は現実を創造する力を持っている。

Kannen wa genjitsu o souzou suru chikara o motte iru

The idea has the power to create reality.

• 観念 - concept, idea
• は - Topic particle
• 現実 - reality
• を - direct object particle
• 創造する - Create, produce
• 力 - power, strength
• を - direct object particle
• 持っている - Land, possess

逞しい男性は魅力的です。

Tsuyoshiimono wa miryokuteki desu

A strong man is attractive.

• 逞しい - Strong, robust
• 男性 - man
• は - Topic particle
• 魅力的 - attractive, charming
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

進歩は人間の力です。

Shinpowa wa ningen no chikara desu

Progress is the power of humans.

• 進歩 - progresso
• は - partícula que indica o tópico da frase
• 人間 - human
• の - possessive particle
• 力 - power
• です - copula que indica polidez