Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 力 | chikara | [t͡ɕi̥ka̠ɾa̠] (narrow) [ɾʲikʲi] (narrow) |
| 権力 | kenryoku | [kẽ̞n̺ɾʲo̞kɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 勢力 | seiryoku | [se̞ːɾʲo̞kɯ̟] (narrow) [se̞ːɾʲikʲi] (narrow) |
Japanese uses different words for power depending on whether you are describing physical strength, political authority or the influence of a group. 力 is a versatile term covering muscle strength, mental willpower and general capacity to do something. For providing power to something, you can use the verb 供給する.
Which one should you use?
力 refers to physical strength, natural ability or a general capacity. 権力 is used specifically for political power, authority or the power held by someone in a position of command. 勢力 refers to the power or influence exerted by a group, organization or faction, such as a political party or a gang.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
chikara
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use 権力 when you are referring to physical strength or a general ability. In those cases, you should use 力 instead.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- 私の力を甘く見ないで。Don't underestimate my power.This sentence uses 力 to show a warning about not underestimating someone's strength or capability.Tatoeba #4878 by bunbuku, translation #1461 by CK
- 国王は権力を奪われた。The king was deprived of his power.This sentence uses 力 to describe someone being stripped of their authority.Tatoeba #173106 by KK_kaku_, translation #241366 by CM
- トムの目には力がある。There is power in Tom's eyes.This sentence uses 力 to describe a quality perceived in someone's gaze.Tatoeba #4298657 by KK_kaku_, translation #4515071 by BahDuring
- 私の力で山を登るI climb the mountain with my own power
- 彼の能力に感銘を受けるI am impressed by his power/ability
- 迫力のある演技に圧倒されたI was overwhelmed by the powerful performance
- 30 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are discussing a leader in their school club.
- 蓮 Ren彼はリーダーとしての力があるね。Kare wa rīdā to shite no chikara ga aru ne.He has the power to be a leader, doesn't he?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、みんな彼を信頼しているし。Un, minna kare o shinrai shite iru shi.Yeah, everyone trusts him.
- 蓮 Renそういう力は本当に大切だと思う。Sō iu chikara wa hontō ni taisetsu da to omou.I think that kind of power is really important.
- 陽葵 Himari私もそう思うよ。Watashi mo sō omou yo.I think so too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “power” translations and entries 力, 権力, 勢力, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 力, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
