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:

各自の力で頑張りましょう。

Minna no chikara de ganbarimashou

Let's do our best with each other.

• 各自の力で - each person with their own strength
• 頑張りましょう - let's make an effort

回復力が必要です。

Kaifukuryoku ga hitsuyou desu

It is necessary to have recovery force.

You need resilience.

• 回復力 - recovery ability
• が - subject particle
• 必要 - necessary
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

困難を乗り越える力を持っています。

Konnan wo norikoeru chikara wo motteimasu

I have the power to overcome difficulties.

• 困難 (kunnan) - Difficulty
• を (wo) - object particle
• 乗り越える (norikoeru) - overcome
• 力 (chikara) - strength
• を (wo) - object particle
• 持っています (motteimasu) - to possess

地域の振興に力を入れる。

Chiiki no shinkō ni chikara wo ireru

Focus on local promotion.

• 地域 - region
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 振興 - promotion, development
• に - Particle indicating the target of the action
• 力 - strength, power
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the action.
• 入れる - put, insert

大いなる力がある。

Ōinaru chikara ga aru

Há grande poder.

• 大いなる - significa "grande" ou "enorme".
• 力 - means "strength" or "power".
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• ある - Verb that means "to exist" or "to have".

天才は努力の結果です。

Tensai wa doryoku no kekka desu

A genius is the result of effort.

• 天才 - It means "genius" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle in Japanese, indicating that the subject of the sentence is "genius".
• 努力 - It means "effort" in Japanese.
• の - Particle of possession in Japanese, indicating that the "effort" belongs to the "genius."
• 結果 - It means "result" in Japanese.
• です - The verb "to be" in Japanese, indicating that the "result" is the "genius" as a result of "effort."

天災は人間の力では防ぎきれない自然の力です。

Tensai wa ningen no chikara de wa fusegikirenai shizen no chikara desu

Natural disaster is a natural power that cannot be prevented by human power.

• 天災 - Natural Disasters
• は - Topic particle
• 人間 - Human being
• の - Possessive particle
• 力 - power, strength
• では - particle indicating negation or restriction
• 防ぎきれない - cannot be completely prevented
• 自然 - nature
• の - Possessive particle
• 力 - power, strength
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

実力は正義を超える。

Jitsuryoku wa seigi o koeru

Real power trumps justice.

Skill exceeds justice.

• 実力 - Skill, capacity
• は - Topic particle
• 正義 - Justice
• を - direct object particle
• 超える - surpass, exceed

尚更努力しようと思います。

Shoukou doryoku shiyou to omoimasu

I will try even harder.

I will try to work harder.

• 尚更 - even more
• 努力 - effort
• しよう - tentar/fazer
• と - connective that indicates that the previous sentence is the reason for the next
• 思います - pensar/considerar

強力な力で目標を達成しよう。

Kyōryoku na chikara de mokuhyō o tassei shiyou

Achieve your goals with mighty power.

• 強力な - strong, powerful
• 力で - strongly
• 目標を - objective
• 達成しよう - Achieve, accomplish