Japanese word

有力

Pronunciation

Romajiyūryoku

Meaning

  • na-adjectiveinfluential

Example

その議員は地域で有力な人物です。so no gi in wa chi iki de yū ryoku na jin butsu de su

That lawmaker is an influential person in the area.

Illustration for 有力 (influential)

More examples

今回の選挙では、若い候補が有力です。kon kai no sen kyo de wa waka i kō ho ga yū ryoku de su

The young candidate is a leading contender in this election.

Core concept

Refers to someone or something recognized as strong enough to influence events, lead others, or have a good chance of success.

Common phrases

  • 有力な候補yū ryoku na kō ho

    leading candidate

  • 有力な対抗馬yū ryoku na tai kō ba

    strong contender

Similar words

有望yūbō: Regarded as likely to succeed or develop well.
強力kyōryoku: Having great power or influence over people or events.
優勢yūsei: Having an advantage over others in a competition or conflict.

Definition in Japanese

勢力や実力があって社会的な影響力を持ち、または実現する可能性が高いこと。sei ryoku ya jitsu ryoku ga a tte sha kai teki na ei kyō ryoku o mo chi ma ta wa jitsu gen su ru ka nō sei ga taka i ko to

Word origin

有力 (yūryoku) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 有 (yū, "have") and 力 (ryoku, "power"), referring to the possession of power or influence.

Usage tips

  • A Japanese speaker may use 有力 (yūryoku) for a leading company, a strong candidate, or a likely theory, so its range is wider than personal influence alone.

Other meanings

  • leadingna-adjective
  • promisingna-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 有力者yūryokushainfluential personnoun

Word lists with this word