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:

威力がある武器は強敵にも勝てる。

Iryoku ga aru buki wa kyouteki ni mo kateru

Uma arma com poder pode derrotar até mesmo inimigos fortes.

Powerful weapons can also defeat strong enemies.

• 威力がある (いりょくがある) - Powerful
• 武器 (ぶき) - Weapon
• は - Topic particle
• 強敵 (きょうてき) - Strong enemy
• にも - Particle that indicates inclusion
• 勝てる (かてる) - Win

多少の努力は必要です。

Tashou no doryoku wa hitsuyou desu

Some effort is required.

Some efforts are needed.

• 多少 - It means "a little" or "some quantity."
• の - Possessive particle, indicating that "um pouco" belongs to something or someone.
• 努力 - means "effort" or "dedication".
• は - topic particle, indicating that "effort" is the theme of the sentence.
• 必要 - means "necessary" or "essential".
• です - verb ser/estar in the polite form.

団結は力なり。

Danketsu wa chikara nari

Unity is strength.

Unity is power.

• 団結 - means "union" or "solidarity".
• は - grammatical particle that indicates the theme of the sentence, in this case "団結" (union).
• 力 - means "strength" or "power".
• なり - verb that indicates that something becomes or is, in this case, "団結は力なり" can be translated as "Union makes strength".

反発する力が強いです。

Hanpatsu suru chikara ga tsuyoi desu

The repulsion force is strong.

I have a strong repulsion.

• 反発する (hanpatsu suru) - verb that means "reject" or "resist"
• 力 (chikara) - noun that means "strength" or "power"
• が (ga) - Particle that marks the subject of the sentence
• 強い (tsuyoi) - Adjective that means "strong" or "powerful"
• です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite form of the sentence

各々の能力に応じて責任を負う。

Kakugaku no nouryoku ni oite sekinin wo ou

Take responsibility according to your individual abilities.

We are responsible for each skill.

• 各々 (kaku kaku) - Each one, individually
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 能力 (nouryoku) - Skill, capacity
• に (ni) - Target particle
• 応じて (oujite) - according to, in response to
• 責任 (sekinin) - responsibility
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 負う (ou) - take over, carry

各自の能力に応じて責任を負う。

Kakuzi no nouryoku ni oite sekinin wo ou

Take responsibility according to your own abilities.

Take responsibility according to your abilities.

• 各自の (kakuji no) - Each one, individually
• 能力に応じて (nouryoku ni oujite) - according to ability
• 責任を負う (sekinin wo ou) - taking responsibility

創造は人間の最大の力です。

Sōzō wa ningen no saidai no chikara desu

Creation is the greatest power of humanity.

Creation is the greatest power of human beings.

• 創造 (souzou) - creation
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 人間 (ningen) - Human being
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 最大 (saidai) - maximum
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 力 (chikara) - Power
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

力は人生で重要な要素です。

Chikara wa jinsei de juuyou na youso desu

Strength is an important element in life.

Power is an important factor in life.

• 力 (chikara) - strength, power
• は (wa) - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 人生 (jinsei) - human life
• で (de) - grammatical particle that indicates the means or place where something happens
• 重要 (juuyou) - important
• な (na) - grammatical particle that indicates the adjectivization of a noun
• 要素 (yousou) - element, component
• です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form

共稼ぎは夫婦の力を合わせることが大切です。

Kyōkasegi wa fuufu no chikara wo awaseru koto ga taisetsu desu

Dual income is important for couples to combine their strengths.

It is important to combine the power of the couple to make money.

• 共稼ぎ (kyoukasegi) - It means "work together" or "teamwork".
• 夫婦 (fuufu) - means "couple" or "husband and wife".
• 力 (chikara) - means "strength" or "power".
• 合わせる (awaseru) - means "to join" or "to unite".
• こと (koto) - It is a particle that indicates that the previous word is a noun and is being used as a direct or indirect object.
• 大切 (taisetsu) - It means "important" or "valuable".
• です (desu) - It is a toK3N that indicates that the sentence is a declaration or affirmation.

依頼を受けた仕事を全力でこなします。

Irai wo uketa shigoto wo zenryoku de konashimasu

I will do my best to do the job I have been given.

I will do my best to do the job I have been given.

• 依頼 - request, application
• を - direct object particle
• 受けた - received (past of the verb 受ける) receive
• 仕事 - work
• を - direct object particle
• 全力で - with all effort, with all strength
• こなします - accomplish, fulfill (verb こなす)