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:

二つの人を結び付ける力は愛です。

Futatsu no hito wo musubi tsukeru chikara wa ai desu

The power to connect two people is love.

• 二つの人を結び付ける力 - the force that unites two people
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 愛 - love
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

体力が必要です。

Tairyoku ga hitsuyou desu

Physical energy is required.

I need physical strength.

• 体力 - means "physical strength" or "bodily energy".
• が - Grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 必要 - means "necessary" or "essential".
• です - verb "to be" in the present tense, used to indicate a polite statement.

全力で頑張ります。

Zenryoku de ganbarimasu

I will do my best.

I will do my best with all my strength.

• 全力で - zennryoku de - with all power/strength
• 頑張ります - ganbarimasu - I'll make an effort

判断力が大切です。

Handanryoku ga taisetsu desu

Judgment is important.

• 判断力 (handanryoku) - judgment skills
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
• です (desu) - Verb "to be" in polite form

力が強まる。

Chikara ga tsuyomaru

The power is strengthening.

Power strengthens.

• 力 - strength, power
• が - subject particle
• 強まる - become stronger, increase in strength

労力を惜しまずに頑張ろう。

Ryouryoku wo oshimazu ni ganbarou

Let's do our best without sparing any effort.

• 労力 - Physical or mental effort
• を - direct object particle
• 惜しまずに - without saving, without economizing
• 頑張ろう - let's make an effort, let's do our best

努力は必ず報われる。

Doryoku wa kanarazu mukuwareru

Effort is always rewarded.

Effort is always rewarded.

• 努力 - Effort, dedication
• は - Topic particle
• 必ず - certainly, for sure
• 報われる - to be rewarded, to be gratified

区別する能力は重要です。

Kubetsu suru nouryoku wa juuyou desu

The ability to distinguish is important.

• 区別する - Verb meaning "to distinguish" or "to differentiate".
• 能力 - Noun meaning "ability" or "capacity".
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence, in this case "ability to distinguish".
• 重要 - Adjective meaning "important" or "crucial".
• です - Auxiliary verb that indicates a polite or respectful way of expressing oneself in Japanese.

医師は患者の健康を守るために尽力しています。

Ishi wa kanja no kenkō o mamoru tame ni jinryoku shiteimasu

Doctors work hard to protect their patients' health.

Doctors are working hard to protect the patient's health.

• 医師 - doctor
• は - Topic particle
• 患者 - patient
• の - Possession particle
• 健康 - health
• を - direct object particle
• 守る - protect
• ために - for
• 尽力しています - make the maximum effort

各々の能力を最大限に活かすことが大切です。

Kakugaku no nouryoku wo saikougen ni ikasu koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to maximize each individual's abilities.

It is important to make the most of each skill.

• 各々 (kaku kaku) - Each one, individually
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 能力 (nouryoku) - Skill, capacity
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 最大限 (saidagen) - to the maximum, at the maximum
• に (ni) - target particle
• 活かす (ikasu) - take advantage of, use
• こと (koto) - abstract noun
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present