強力な
kyouryoku na
The English word "mighty" is translated into Japanese as 強力な (kyouryoku na).
強力な is used to describe both physical and abstract power. It is appropriate when speaking about things such as a powerful engine, a strong influence or a potent medicine.
Meaning: very strong, possessing might (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The root of this word is 強力, which is composed of the characters 強 (strong) and 力 (power/strength), literally meaning "powerful strength".
Which one should you use?
While 強力な is used to mean "mighty" or "powerful", the word 強力 on its own can simply mean "powerful".
How does it change in a sentence?
As a na-adjective, 強力な requires the particle な when it directly precedes a noun (e.g., "a mighty…"). If you change the particle from な to に, the word becomes the adverb 強力に, which means "mightily" or "powerfully".
How do you pronounce it?
kyouryoku na
Did you know?
- While 強力な is perfect for a 'mighty engine', using it to describe a person might sound strangely clinical, like describing a 'powerful chemical'. To express a 'mighty' or 'formidable' person, Japanese speakers often use 力強い (chikara-zuyoi), which emphasizes a vitality that inspires confidence.
- The character 強 is also the root of the word 強引な, which means 'forceful' or 'pushy'. This shows how the concept of 'mighty' strength can take on a negative social connotation in Japanese.
- If you want to describe someone with 'mighty' or legendary strength in folklore, you might see the word 剛力 used. This specific combination of characters is typically reserved for superhuman feats rather than everyday power.
Examples in context
- 強大な力を持つ指導者A leader with mighty power
- 彼は強烈なパンチを持っている。He has a mighty punch.
- その強烈な嵐で多くの家が被害を受けた。Many houses were affected by that mighty storm.
- 強力な薬を処方されました。Kyōryoku na kusuri o shohō saremashita.I was prescribed a powerful medicine.
- 彼は強力なリーダーです。Kare wa kyōryoku na rīdā desu.He is a mighty leader.
- それは強力な武器になります。Sore wa kyōryoku na buki ni narimasu.That will become a powerful weapon.
Example conversation
A boy and a girl are discussing a new video game character.
- 陽太 Yotaこのキャラクターは強力なスキルを持っているよ。Kono kyarakutā wa kyōryoku na sukiru o motte iru yo.This character has a mighty skill.
- 陽葵 Himari本当だね、すごく強いね。Hontō da ne, sugoku tsuyoi ne.You're right, he is really strong.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵なら、このキャラを使いこなせるよ。Himari nara, kono kyara o tsukaikonaseru yo.If it's you, Himari, you can master this character.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太、教えてくれてありがとう！Yōta, oshiete kurete arigatō!Yōta, thanks for telling me!
