Japanese word

無力

Pronunciation

Romajimuryoku

Meaning

  • na-adjectivepowerless

Example

この問題の前では、私は無力です。ko no mon dai no mae de wa watashi wa mu ryoku de su

I am powerless in the face of this problem.

Illustration for 無力 (powerless)

More examples

助けを求める人を前にして、私は無力だと感じます。tasu ke o moto me ru hito o mae ni shi te watashi wa mu ryoku da to kan ji ma su

When someone asks me for help, I feel powerless.

Core concept

Describes a state in which a person or thing cannot produce the needed effect because power or ability is lacking.

Common phrases

  • 無力だと感じるmu ryoku da to kan ji ru

    feel powerless

  • 無力になるmu ryoku ni na ru

    become powerless

  • 無力な立場mu ryoku na tachi ba

    powerless position

Similar words

非力hiriki: Describes a person or thing whose strength or power is too small to produce a needed effect.
無能munō: Describes a person who lacks the ability or skill needed to perform a task.

Definition in Japanese

力や能力が足りず、物事を動かしたり対処したりできないさま。chikara ya nō ryoku ga ta ri zu mono goto o ugo ka shi ta ri tai sho shi ta ri de ki na i sa ma

Word origin

無 (mu, "without") + 力 (ryoku, "power") forms a Sino-Japanese compound meaning a lack of power or ability.

Usage tips

  • The Japanese word 無力 (muryoku) can describe a person, group, or action that cannot affect a situation, so it is broader than physical weakness.

Other meanings

  • incompetentna-adjective
  • ineffectivena-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 無力感muryokukansense of helplessnessnoun

Word lists with this word