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:

がっちりした握力を持っています。

gacchiri shita akuryoku wo motteimasu

I have a firm footprint.

It has a solid grip.

• がっちりした - adjective that means "firm", "solid", "forte".
• 握力 - Noun that means "gripping force", "grasping force".
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 持っています - Verb that means "to have", "to possess".

この薬の効力は非常に高いです。

Kono kusuri no kouryoku wa hijou ni takai desu

The effect of this medicine is very high.

• この - this
• 薬 - medicine
• の - of
• 効力 - effectiveness
• は - is
• 非常に - very
• 高い - high
• です - is (politeness)

このプランはとても魅力的です。

Kono puran wa totemo miryokuteki desu

This plan is very attractive.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• プラン - noun meaning "plan" or "project"
• は - topic particle indicating the subject of the sentence, in this case, the previously mentioned plan
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 魅力的 - Adjective that means "attractive" or "seductive"
• です - verb "to be" in the polite and polite form

この映画の人物はとても魅力的です。

Kono eiga no jinbutsu wa totemo miryokuteki desu

The characters in this movie are very captivating.

The person in this movie is very attractive.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 映画 - noun meaning "film"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 人物 - noun meaning "character"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 魅力的 - adjective meaning "attractive" or "charming"
• です - verb "to be" in the present affirmative

この見本はとても魅力的です。

Kono mihon wa totemo miryokuteki desu

This sample is very attractive.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 見本 - noun meaning "example" or "sample"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 魅力的 - adjective meaning "attractive" or "charming"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

このイベントの賞品はとても魅力的です。

Kono ibento no shōhin wa totemo miryokuteki desu

The prizes of this event are very attractive.

• この - demonstrative pronoun
• イベント - event
• の - Possession particle
• 賞品 - award
• は - Topic particle
• とても - adverb of intensity (very)
• 魅力的 - adjective (attractive)
• です - verb ser/estar (polite)

その勢力は強大だ。

Sono seiryoku wa kyoudai da

This strength is powerful.

Power is powerful.

• その - demonstrative pronoun meaning "that"
• 勢力 - noun meaning "power" or "influence"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 強大 - Adjective that means "strong" or "powerful"
• だ - auxiliary verb that indicates present in the affirmative form

ユーモアは人生を楽しくする力です。

Yūmō wa jinsei o tanoshiku suru chikara desu

Humor is the power to make life fun.

• ユーモア - 言葉は「ユーモア」です。
• は - Japanese particle indicating the subject of the sentence
• 人生 - A palavra em japonês que significa "vida" é "生命" (seimei).
• を - Direct object particle in Japanese.
• 楽しくする - 動かす (ugokasu)
• 力 - A palavra em japonês que significa "força" ou "poder" é 力 (chikara).
• です - verb in Japanese that indicates the polite form of the present

ワットは電力の単位です。

Watto wa denryoku no tanni desu

Wat is a unit of energy.

• ワット - unit of measurement of power
• は - Topic particle
• 電力 - Electricity
• の - Possession particle
• 単位 - Unit of measurement
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

万能な力を持っている。

Bannou na chikara wo motte iru

It has an omnipotent power.

It has a versatile power.

• 万能 (Bannou) - means "omnipotent" or "all-powerful".
• な (na) - a Japanese particle that is used to modify a noun or adjective.
• 力 (chikara) - means "strength" or "power".
• を (wo) - a Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of a sentence.
• 持っている (motteiru) - a verb that means "to have" or "to possess".