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:

連想は創造力を刺激する。

Rensō wa sōzōryoku o shigeki suru

The association stimulates creativity.

The association stimulates creativity.

• 連想 - means "association" or "connection".
• は - grammatical particle that indicates the theme of the sentence, in this case "association".
• 創造力 - It means "creativity".
• を - Direct object pronoun that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case "creativity".
• 刺激する - It means "to stimulate". It is a verb composed of 刺激 (stimulus) and する (to do).

自らの力で進む

Mizukara no chikara de susumu

Advance in your own strength.

Proceed with your own power

• 自ら - reflexive pronoun, "oneself"
• の - possessive particle, "of"
• 力 - noun, "power"
• で - particle that indicates half, "by"
• 進む - verb, "to advance"

継続は力なり。

Keizoku wa chikara nari

Continuity is power.

Continuation is power.

• 継続 - means "continuity" or "persistence" in Japanese.
• は - Topic particle in Japanese, which indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 力 - means "force" or "power" in Japanese.
• なり - verb in Japanese that means "to be" or "to become".

素材が豊富なデザインは魅力的です。

Sozai ga houfu na dezain wa miryokuteki desu

A design with a wide variety of materials is attractive.

The design with abundant materials is attractive.

• 素材 (sozai) - material
• が (ga) - partícula que indica o sujeito de uma frase
• 豊富 (houfu) - abundant, plentiful
• な (na) - auxiliary adjective that indicates a state of being
• デザイン (dezain) - Design
• は (wa) - partícula que indica o tópico de uma frase
• 魅力的 (miryokuteki) - attractive, charming
• です (desu) - copula que indica polidez e formalidade

私たちは目標を定めて努力します。

Watashitachi wa mokuhyō o sadameru shite doryoku shimasu

We set goals and strive to achieve them.

We set goals and we will work hard.

• 私たちは - We
• 目標を - Goals
• 定めて - We define
• 努力します - We strive

知性を持った人は魅力的です。

Chisei wo motta hito wa miryokuteki desu

People who are intelligent are attractive.

People with intelligence are attractive.

• 知性を持った人 - a person who possesses intelligence and knowledge
• は - Topic marking particle
• 魅力的です - is charming, attractive

石炭は火力発電所で使われる重要なエネルギー源です。

Ishitan wa karyoku hatsudensho de tsukawareru juuyou na enerugii gen desu

Coal is an important source of energy used in thermal power plants.

Coal is an important source of energy used in thermal power plants.

• 石炭 (sekitan) - coal
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 火力発電所 (karyoku hatsudensho) - power plant
• で (de) - Location particle
• 使われる (tsukawareru) - to be used
• 重要な (juuyouna) - important
• エネルギー源 (enerugii gen) - energy source
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

祈りは心の力です。

Inori wa kokoro no chikara desu

Prayer is the strength of the heart.

Prayer is the power of the heart.

• 祈り (inori) - prayer
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 心 (kokoro) - heart, mind
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 力 (chikara) - strength, power
• です (desu) - verb to be, to stay

神秘な力がある。

Kami no himitsu na chikara ga aru

There is a mysterious power.

There is a mysterious power.

• 神秘な - mysterious, enigmatic
• 力 - power, strength
• が - particle indicating subject of the sentence
• ある - verb "ser" in present form

相当な努力が必要です。

Sōtōna doryoku ga hitsuyōdesu

Considerable effort is required.

You need considerable effort.

• 相当な - means "considerable" or "quite a lot".
• 努力 - means "effort" or "dedication".
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 必要 - means "necessary" or "essential".
• です - polite way of "being" or "being".