念力
nenriki[nẽ̞n̺ɾʲikʲi]
The English phrase telekinesis can be translated into Japanese as either 念力 (nenriki) or テレキネシス.
Meaning: ability to move objects with the power of one's thoughts (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 念力 | nenriki | [nẽ̞n̺ɾʲikʲi] (narrow) |
| テレキネシス | terekineshisu |
念力 is the most common way to describe the supernatural ability to move objects with the mind in Japanese media, such as manga and anime.
Which one should you use?
While 念力 is the standard Japanese term, the katakana transliteration テレキネシス (terekineshisu) is often used in science fiction or more modern, academic contexts to refer specifically to the concept of telekinesis.
How do you pronounce it?
nenriki
Did you know?
- While 念力 is used for psychic powers, the word 念 is also used in the phrase 念のため to mean 'just in case'.
- In Japanese pop culture, particularly in the series 'Hunter x Hunter', 念 is used as a shorthand term for a complex system of life energy that enables various supernatural abilities beyond just moving objects.
- The use of katakana for テレキネシス signals to the reader that the concept is being treated as a Western scientific or pseudo-scientific phenomenon rather than a traditional spiritual power.
Examples in context
- 彼はテレキネシスの力を持っています。He possesses the power of telekinesis.
- 彼、すごい念力持ってるんだよ！本物のテレキネシスじゃん！He's got amazing mind power! It's like real telekinesis!
- 念力で物を動かすのは難しい。Nenriki de mono o ugokasu no wa muzukashii.It is difficult to move objects with telekinesis.
- あの映画には念力の使い手が出てくる。Ano eiga ni wa nenriki no tsukaite ga detekuru.A user of telekinesis appears in that movie.
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta are talking about a movie.
- 結衣 Yuiこの映画の主人公は念力が使えます。kono eiga no shujinkou wa nenryoku ga tsukaemasu.The main character of this movie can use telekinesis.
- 健太 Kentaすごいね。自分でも使えたらいいのに。sugoi ne. jibun demo tsukaetara ii noni.That's amazing. I wish I could use it too.
- 結衣 Yui本当に念力があったら便利だよね。hontou ni nenryoku ga attara benri da yo ne.It would be really convenient if we actually had telekinesis.
- 健太 Kentaそうだね。掃除がとても楽になるよ。sou da ne. souji ga totemo raku ni naru yo.You're right. Cleaning would become very easy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “telekinesis” translations and entries 念力, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
