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:

乾電池は電力を供給するために必要です。

Kandenchi wa denryoku wo kyoukyuu suru tame ni hitsuyou desu

Dry batteries are needed to supply electrical power.

Batteries are needed to supply power.

• 乾電池 - Dry battery
• は - Topic particle
• 電力 - Electricity
• を - Direct object particle
• 供給する - Provide
• ために - For
• 必要です - Is required

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

並みの力で頑張ります。

Nami no chikara de ganbarimasu

I will strive with medium strength.

I will do my best with the same power.

• 並みの力で - nami no chikara de- with common strength
• 頑張ります - ganbarimasu- I'll make an effort

パスワードを入力してください。

Pasuwādo o nyūryoku shite kudasai

Please enter the password.

Please enter your password.

• パスワード (pasuwādo) - password
• を (wo) - object particle
• 入力 (nyūryoku) - input, typing
• して (shite) - form of the verb "suru" (する) in the gerund
• ください (kudasai) - please give me

テキストを入力してください。

Tekisuto wo nyuuryoku shite kudasai

Please enter text.

Enter the text.

• テキスト (tekisuto) - Text
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 入力 (nyūryoku) - input, typing
• して (shite) - form of the verb suru (to do)
• ください (kudasai) - please give me

この組織は強力な力を持っています。

Kono soshiki wa kyōryoku na chikara o motteimasu

This organization has a powerful force.

This organization has powerful power.

• この - this
• 組織 - organization
• は - Topic particle
• 強力な - strong, powerful
• 力 - strength
• を - direct object particle
• 持っています - Land, possess

ギャングは暴力行為をする人たちの集まりです。

Gyangu wa boryoku koui wo suru hitotachi no atsumari desu

Gang is a group of people who commit acts of violence.

Gang is a gathering of people who play violence.

• ギャング - gang
• は - partícula que indica o tópico da frase
• 暴力行為 - violent acts
• を - article indicating the direct object of the sentence
• する - to do
• 人たち - pessoas
• の - particle possession indicating
• 集まり - coleta
• です - copula indicating the sentence is a statement

コードを入力してください。

Kōdo wo nyūryoku shite kudasai

Type the code.

Enter the code.

• コード (Koodo) - It means "code" in Japanese.
• を (wo) - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 入力 (nyuuryoku) - means "entry" or "typing" in Japanese
• して (shite) - form of the verb "suru" (to do) in Japanese
• ください (kudasai) - polite expression to ask for something in Japanese

アンケートにご協力いただきありがとうございます。

Ankēto ni go kyōryoku itadaki arigatō gozaimasu

Thank you for your cooperation in the research.

Thank you for your cooperation in the questionnaire.

• アンケート (anketo) - questionnaire
• に (ni) - Particle indicating action directed towards something or someone.
• ご (go) - honorary prefix that indicates respect
• 協力 (kyouryoku) - collaboration, help
• いただき (itadaki) - humble way of receiving something.
• ありがとうございます (arigatou gozaimasu) - formal expression of gratitude

連邦政府は国民の福祉を守るために尽力しています。

Renpō seifu wa kokumin no fukushi o mamoru tame ni jinryoku shiteimasu

The federal government is working to protect the welfare of the people.

• 連邦政府 - - federal government
• は - - Topic particle
• 国民 - - people/nationality
• の - - Possessive particle
• 福祉 - - well-being
• を - - direct object particle
• 守る - - protect
• ために - - for
• 尽力しています - - trying hard