超能力
chō nōryoku
The English phrase "super power" is translated into Japanese as 超能力 (chō nōryoku).
超能力 is used to describe an extraordinary or magical ability. While it can refer to any superpower, it is most commonly used to describe psychic or ESP-related abilities, such as telekinesis or telepathy.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 超能力 is composed of 超 (chō), meaning 'super' or 'ultra' and 能力 (nōryoku), meaning 'ability' or 'power'.
Which one should you use?
In English, the word "superpower" can refer to a dominant nation, but 超能力 specifically refers to an individual's extraordinary mental or physical ability. Additionally, while 超能力 is the standard term, the katakana loanword スーパーパワー is also used, particularly when discussing Western-style comic books and superheroes.
How do you pronounce it?
chō nōryoku
Did you know?
- The prefix 超 (chō) is frequently used as a casual intensifier in slang, similar to 'super' or 'ultra' in English, such as 超かわいい for 'super cute'.
- The term 超能力 (chō nōryoku) is often associated with the 'Chō nōryoku research' craze in Japan, where people investigated psychic phenomena during the 1970s.
- In Japanese pop culture, characters with these abilities are often called 'Chō nōryokusha' (psychic users) rather than just saying they have a 'super power'.
Examples in context
- 彼は超能力を持っている。Kare wa chounouryoku o motte iru.He has a super power.
- 超能力を使うのは難しい。Chounouryoku o tsukau no wa muzukashii.Using a super power is difficult.
- 映画には超能力の戦いが出てくる。Eiga ni wa chounouryoku no tatakai ga detekuru.The movie features battles of super powers.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a new superhero movie.
- 健太 Kentaあの映画の主人公は超能力があるんだ。Ano eiga no shujinkou wa chounouryoku ga aru n da.The protagonist of that movie has a super power.
- 結衣 Yuiすごいね！どんな超能力なの？Sugoi ne! Donna chounouryoku na no?That's amazing! What kind of super power is it?
- 健太 Kenta空を飛ぶ超能力だよ。Sora o tobu chounouryoku da yo.It is the super power of flying through the sky.
- 結衣 Yuiかっこいい！私もそれがあればいいな。Kakkoii! Watashi mo sore ga areba ii na.That's cool! I wish I had that too.
