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:

激励は人を勇気づける力を持っています。

Gekirei wa hito wo yuuki zukeru chikara wo motte imasu

Encouragement has the power to give people courage.

Encouragement has the power to encourage people.

• 激励 - stimulus, incentive
• は - Topic particle
• 人 - person
• を - direct object particle
• 勇気づける - encourage, give courage
• 力 - strength, power
• を - direct object particle
• 持っています - Land, possess

無料はとても魅力的な言葉です。

Muryou wa totemo miryokuteki na kotoba desu

Free is a very attractive word.

Free is a very attractive word.

• 無料 - means "free" in Japanese
• は - is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• とても - means "a lot" in Japanese
• 魅力的 - means "attractive" or "seductive" in Japanese
• な - is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the adjective
• 言葉 - means "word" in Japanese
• です - is a polite way of saying "is" or "are" in Japanese

特殊な能力を持っている。

Tokushu na nouryoku wo motte iru

I have a special ability.

It has a special ability.

• 特殊な - It means "special" or "unique."
• 能力 - means "skill" or "ability".
• を - particle that marks the direct object of the sentence.
• 持っている - It means "to have" or "to possess". It is the verb of the sentence.

知識は力なり。

Chishiki wa chikara nari

Knowledge is power.

• 知識 - means knowledge in Japanese.
• は - It is a topic marking particle in Japanese.
• 力 - means power or force in Japanese.
• なり - It is an old form of the verb "to be" in Japanese.

知的な人は魅力的です。

Chiteki na hito wa miryokuteki desu

Intellectuals are attractive.

• 知的な人 - smart person
• は - Topic particle
• 魅力的です - is attractive

知るは力なり。

Shiru wa chikara nari

To know is to empower.

• 知る - "Significa" knowledge em japonês é 知る (shiru).
• は - It is a grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 力 - It means "power" or "strength" in Japanese.
• なり - it is an ancient form of the verb "to be" in Japanese

私は隙がないように努力しています。

Watashi wa sukima ga nai you ni doryoku shiteimasu

I'm trying hard not to have gaps.

I'm working hard not to take a chance.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 隙 (suki) - Japanese noun meaning "gap", "gap", "opportunity"
• が (ga) - Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• ない (nai) - negative form of the verb "aru" (to be)
• ように (you ni) - Japanese expression indicating the intention or purpose of an action
• 努力 (doryoku) - Japanese noun meaning "effort", "dedication"
• しています (shite imasu) - present form of the verb "suru" (to do) with the auxiliary "imasu" (to be doing)

私の学力はまだまだです。

Watashi no gakuryoku wa mada mada desu

My academic ability is still far away.

• 私 - personal pronoun "I"
• の - possessive particle "of"
• 学力 - "academic skill"
• は - topic particle "about"
• まだまだ - adverb "not yet"
• です - verb to be"

私の能力はまだまだです。

Watashi no nōryoku wa mada mada desu

My skill is still far off.

• 私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 能力 - noun that means "skill" or "ability"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "skill"
• まだまだ - expression that means "not enough yet" or "still a long way to go"
• です - the verb "to be" in the polite and formal form

私たちは家族を守るために全力を尽くします。

Watashitachi wa kazoku o mamoru tame ni zenryoku o tsukushimasu

We will do our best to protect the family.

• 私たちは - "We"
• 家族を - "Family"
• 守るために - "To protect"
• 全力を尽くします - "We'll do our best"