Japanese word

気力

Pronunciation

Romajikiryoku

Meaning

  • nounenergy

Example

今日は気力がありません。kyō wa ki ryoku ga a ri ma se n

I have no energy today.

Illustration for 気力 (energy)

More examples

休憩すると、もう一度気力が湧きます。kyū kei su ru to mō ichi do ki ryoku ga wa ki ma su

After I take a break, I regain my energy.

Core concept

Refers to the mental force that turns an intention into sustained action.

Common phrases

  • 気力が湧くki ryoku ga wa ku

    regain one's energy

  • 気力がないki ryoku ga na i

    have no energy

  • 気力を振り絞るki ryoku o fu ri shibo ru

    summon one's energy

  • 気力を失うki ryoku o ushina u

    lose one's energy

  • 気力が続くki ryoku ga tsuzu ku

    keep one's energy up

Similar words

意欲iyoku: The desire and willingness to undertake an activity.
やる気yaruki: The motivation to begin or continue an activity.
精神力seishinryoku: The mental strength to endure difficulty and maintain effort.

Definition in Japanese

何かをしようとする気持ちを保ち、実際に行動するための力。nan ka o shi yō to su ru ki mo chi o tamo chi jis sai ni kō dō su ru ta me no chikara

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 気力 (kiryoku) combines 気 (ki, "spirit") and 力 (ryoku, "power").

Usage tips

  • English energy can describe either physical strength or electricity, while 気力 (kiryoku) mainly concerns the personal drive to act.

Other meanings

  • vitalitynoun
  • willpowernoun

Opposites

  • 無気力mukiryokuapathynoun

Word lists with this word