Japanese word

動力

Pronunciation

Romajidōryoku

Meaning

  • nounpower

Example

この機械は電気を動力にしています。ko no ki kai wa den ki o dō ryoku ni shi te i ma su

This machine uses electricity as its power source.

Illustration for 動力 (power)

More examples

モーターは動力を車輪に伝えます。mō tā wa dō ryoku o sha rin ni tsuta e ma su

The motor transmits power to the wheels.

Core concept

Describes the force or energy that drives a machine or vehicle, whether or not the source is electricity.

Common phrases

  • 動力を伝えるdō ryoku o tsuta e ru

    transmit power

  • 動力を供給するdō ryoku o kyō kyū su ru

    supply power

  • 動力として使うdō ryoku to shi te tsuka u

    use as a power source

  • 動力を生み出すdō ryoku o u mi da su

    generate power

Similar words

駆動力kudōryoku: The force that drives the movement of a machine or vehicle.
原動力gendōryoku: The force or energy that causes a machine or vehicle to operate.

Definition in Japanese

機械や乗り物を動かすもととなる力。ki kai ya no ri mono o ugo ka su mo to to na ru chikara

Word origin

As a Sino-Japanese compound, 動 (dō, "motion") combines with 力 (ryoku, "force") in 動力 (dōryoku), giving the sense of force that makes machinery move.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese engineering, 動力車 (dōryokusha) refers to a railway vehicle with its own driving power, so the word applies to what moves the vehicle rather than to electricity alone.

Other meanings

  • motive powernoun

Word lists with this word