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:

彼は統率力がある。

Kare wa tousotsuryoku ga aru

He has leadership skills.

He is leading.

• 彼 - Japanese pronoun meaning "he".
• は - Japanese particle indicating the theme of the sentence.
• 統率力 - Japanese noun that means "leadership skills".
• が - Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• ある - The Japanese verb that means "to have".

彼は自分の能力を強めるために毎日練習している。

Kare wa jibun no nouryoku o tsuyomeru tame ni mainichi renshuu shite iru

He practices every day to strengthen his skills.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "he".
• 自分 - Japanese pronoun meaning "oneself"
• の - Japanese particle indicating possession, in this case "your"
• 能力 - Japanese noun meaning "skill" or "ability"
• を - Japanese particle indicating the direct object of the sentence, in this case "skill"
• 強める - Japanese verb meaning "to strengthen" or "to increase"
• ために - Japanese expression meaning "for" or "with the aim of"
• 毎日 - Japanese adverb meaning "every day"
• 練習 - Japanese noun meaning "training" or "practice"
• している - continuous form of the Japanese verb "する", which means "to do"

彼は国を治める能力がある。

Kare wa kuni o osameru nouryoku ga aru

He has the ability to rule a country.

He has the ability to rule the country.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 国 - Japanese noun that means "country"
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 治める - Japanese verb that means "to govern."
• 能力 - Japanese noun meaning "skill" or "ability"
• が - Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• ある - Japanese verb that means "to exist"
• . - punctuation mark that indicates the end of the sentence

彼は敵を潰すために全力を尽くした。

Kare wa teki o tsubusu tame ni zenryoku o tsukushita

He gave it all of himself to crush the enemy.

He did his best to crush the enemy.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - topic particle in Japanese, used to indicate the subject of the sentence
• 敵 - Japanese noun that means "enemy"
• を - object particle in Japanese, used to indicate the direct object of the sentence
• 潰す - Japanese verb that means "to crush" or "to destroy."
• ために - Japanese expression that means "for" or "in order to"
• 全力を尽くした - Japanese expression that means "did your best" or "did everything you could"

彼は競争相手を凌ぐ力を持っている。

Kare wa kyōsō aite o shinogu chikara o motte iru

He has the power to surpass his competitors.

He has the power to surpass competitors.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 競争 - Japanese noun that means "competition"
• 相手 - Japanese noun that means "opponent" or "adversary."
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 凌ぐ - Japanese verb that means "to overcome" or "to surpass."
• 力 - Japanese noun that means "strength" or "power."
• 持っている - a Japanese verb that means "to have" or "to possess"

彼は鋭い洞察力を持っています。

Kare wa surudoi dōsatsuryoku o motte imasu

It has a keen ability to insight.

He has a clear view.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 鋭い - Japanese adjective that means "sharp" or "penetrating"
• 洞察力 - Japanese noun that means "power of discernment" or "ability to deeply understand something"
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 持っています - Japanese verb meaning "to have" or "to possess", conjugated in the polite and polite form

彼の能力は私を超す。

Kare no nouryoku wa watashi wo kosu

His skill exceeds mine.

Your skill is super.

• 彼の - his
• 能力 - "habilidade, capacidade" = "skill, ability"
• は - Topic particle
• 私を - personal pronoun "I" + direct object particle
• 超す - verb "to exceed, to surpass"

彼女の忍耐力は果てしない。

Kanojo no nintairyoku wa hateshinai

Your patience is endless.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she/girlfriend
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 忍耐力 (nintairyoku) - patience/resistance
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 果てしない (hateshinai) - infinite/endless

彼女は社会的な地位を高めるために努力している。

Kanojo wa shakaiteki na chii o takameru tame ni doryoku shite iru

She is trying hard to increase her social standing.

She is working hard to improve her social status.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - She
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 社会的な (shakaitekina) - Social
• 地位 (chii) - Position
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 高める (takameru) - increase
• ために (tameni) - For
• 努力している (doryoku shiteiru) - You are making an effort.

彼女は自分の能力に傲っている。

Kanojo wa jibun no nouryoku ni ogorotte iru

She is proud of her abilities.

She is arrogant in her abilities.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 自分 (jibun) - Yourself
• の (no) - Particle that indicates possession
• 能力 (nouryoku) - Skill, capacity
• に (ni) - particle that indicates action or destination
• 傲っている (hokotteiru) - be proud, arrogant