Japanese word

力

Pronunciation

Romajichikara

Meaning

  • nounstrength

Example

毎日力をつけます。mai nichi chikara o tsu ke ma su

I build strength every day.

Illustration for 力 (strength)

More examples

毎日運動して力をつけます。mai nichi un dō shi te chikara o tsu ke ma su

I exercise every day to build strength.

重い荷物を運ぶには、腕の力が必要です。omo i ni motsu o hako bu ni wa ude no chikara ga hitsu yō de su

You need arm strength to carry heavy luggage.

Core concept

Refers to the strength or driving capacity behind an action, movement, or result.

Common phrases

  • 力を入れるchikara o i re ru

    apply force

  • 力を合わせるchikara o a wa se ru

    join forces

  • 力をつけるchikara o tsu ke ru

    build strength

  • 力を出すchikara o da su

    use one's strength

  • 力があるchikara ga a ru

    have strength

Similar words

能力nōryoku: The capacity or talent to carry out an action or achieve a result.
強さtsuyosa: The level of physical or nonphysical power shown by a person or thing.
腕力wanryoku: The force used by the arms and upper body.

Definition in Japanese

物事に働きかけて動かしたり、実現したりする強さや能力。mono goto ni hatara ki ka ke te ugo ka shi ta ri jitsu gen shi ta ri su ru tsuyo sa ya nō ryoku

Word origin

The native Japanese noun 力 (chikara, "strength") is written with the kanji 力 (chikara, "power"), whose early shape represented a strong arm.

Usage tips

  • When Japanese speakers say 力がある (chikara ga aru), the phrase can describe someone's ability or talent, not just physical strength.

Other meanings

  • forcenoun
  • energynoun

Opposites

  • 弱さyowasaweaknessnoun

Word lists with this word