力
chikara[t͡ɕi̥ka̠ɾa̠]
The English word "strength" is translated into Japanese as 力 (chikara).
力 can refer to physical strength, but also to power, influence or a specific ability. If you are referring specifically to mental strength, use 精神的な強さ. For physical strength, use 筋力. To describe someone or something as powerful and strong in an informal way, you can use パワフル. The term 強力 means powerful, while 剛 signifies resilience, sturdiness and unyielding strength. Additionally, 頼もしい can be translated to reliable or trustworthy.
Meaning: quality of being strong (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is chikara.
Did you know?
- The kanji for 力 is actually a pictograph of a plow, which originally represented the strength required for farming.
- In Japanese sumo wrestling, the 'strength' of a wrestler is often discussed using 力士 (rikishi), which literally translates to 'strength person'.
- In Japanese calligraphy, the 'strength' of a stroke is called 筆力 (hitsuryoku), which refers to the visible energy and confidence left on the paper.
Examples in context
- 体力は尽きました。My body's strength is exhausted.This sentence uses 力 to describe how a person's body's strength is exhausted.Tatoeba #11555548 by small_snow, translation #13045108 by terrywallwork
- 体力に自信はおありですか？Do you have confidence in your physical strength?This sentence uses 力 to ask about confidence in physical strength.Tatoeba #3440952 by tommy_san, translation #12008896 by Winter
- 年とともに彼の体力は衰えた。Age diminished his strength.This sentence uses 力 to show how strength diminished with age.Tatoeba #121856 by KK_kaku_, translation #282148 by Auride
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are talking about a difficult task at work.
- 蓮 Renこの作業には、精神的な力が必要です。Kono sagyō ni wa, seishinteki na chikara ga hitsuyō desu.This task requires mental strength.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮さんは、いつも力強いですね。Ren-san wa, itsumo chikarazuyoi desu ne.Ren, you are always so strong/powerful.
- 蓮 Renいえ、陽葵さんのおかげですよ。Ie, Himari-san no okage desu yo.No, it is thanks to you, Himari.
- 陽葵 Himariそう言ってもらえて嬉しいです。Sō itte moraete ureshii desu.I am happy to hear you say that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “strength” translations and entries 力, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
