Meaning
The kanji 力 (chikara) primarily means "power," "strength," "force," or "ability." As one of the most basic and frequently encountered kanji in Japanese, it plays an essential role in describing both physical and abstract capabilities. Its inclusion in the first-grade curriculum and JLPT N4 level highlights its importance as a foundational character for any Japanese learner.
The visual origin of 力 is an interesting pictograph. Many believe it depicts a muscular arm, specifically showing the biceps bulging, or alternatively, a plowing tool like a hoe or plow. Both symbolize the physical effort and force required for agriculture. Regardless of interpretation, they lead to the core concept of strength and power. The curved line at the bottom can be seen as the arm or tool, while the top stroke implies the exertion or the handle. This simple, yet powerful shape effectively conveys its meaning without complex strokes, showing how ancient characters often captured essential concepts with minimalist designs.
With only two strokes, 力 is very simple to write, making it easy for beginners to learn and remember. It also functions as a radical itself, often appearing as a component in more complex kanji. In such cases, it usually retains its connotation of strength, effort, or a related concept. For instance, in 男 (otoko, man), 力 is combined with 田 (ta, rice field), traditionally suggesting a man's strength for working in the fields. This kanji is taught to children in their first year of elementary school, underscoring its foundational importance in the Japanese language. It's one of the few kanji that also serve as their own radical.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The on'yomi readings of 力 are derived from its historical pronunciation in China and are typically used when 力 is part of a compound word (熟語, じゅくご). The main on'yomi are リョク (ryoku) and リキ (riki), with リョク being more commonly encountered in everyday Japanese.
リョク (ryoku)
This reading is common in many compounds, especially those related to inherent abilities, physical strength, or various forms of influence and capacity.
- 努力 (doryoku) — effort, exertion
- 体力 (tairyoku) — physical strength, stamina
- 能力 (nōryoku) — ability, capability
- 学力 (gakuryoku) — academic ability, scholastic aptitude
リキ (riki)
While less common than リョク, リキ is used in certain specific compounds, often conveying a sense of raw physical power, force, or a specialized technical context. It can sometimes carry a slightly stronger or more direct connotation of force.
- 力学 (rikigaku) — mechanics (the branch of physics dealing with forces and their effects)
- 怪力 (kairiki) — superhuman strength, prodigious strength
- 馬力 (bariki) — horsepower (a unit of power)
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The kun'yomi reading of 力 is ちから (chikara), which is the native Japanese word for "power" or "strength." This reading is used when 力 appears by itself as a standalone noun or with okurigana (送り仮名), which are hiragana characters that follow a kanji to complete its reading and often indicate grammatical function or inflection.
ちから (chikara)
This is the most direct and fundamental way to express "power," "strength," "force," or "ability" in Japanese. It can refer to physical strength, mental resolve, influence, or even the power of nature.
- 力 (chikara) — strength, power, force, energy
- 力強い (chikara-zuyoi) — strong, powerful, forceful (an adjective derived from 力)
- 力持ち (chikara-mochi) — strong person, a strong man/woman (one who possesses great strength)
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 力 is part of numerous compounds, reflecting its broad application from physical attributes to abstract concepts like influence or effort. Understanding these compounds is key to mastering its usage and expanding your Japanese vocabulary.
Physical Strength & Bodily Functions:
- 体力 (tairyoku) — physical strength, stamina, bodily vigor
- 腕力 (wanryoku) — arm strength, physical force
- 筋力 (kinryoku) — muscle strength, muscular power
- 視力 (shiryoku) — eyesight, visual acuity
- 聴力 (chōryoku) — hearing ability, auditory sense
Mental & Intellectual Capabilities:
- 能力 (nōryoku) — ability, capability, faculty, competence
- 学力 (gakuryoku) — academic ability, scholastic aptitude
- 思考力 (shikōryoku) — thinking ability, faculty of thought
- 想像力 (sōzōryoku) — imaginative power, imagination, creativity
- 判断力 (handanryoku) — judgment, discerning power
Effort, Influence & Abstract Force:
- 努力 (doryoku) — effort, exertion, hard work, endeavor
- 協力 (kyōryoku) — cooperation, collaboration, assistance
- 勢力 (seiryoku) — influence, power, force (e.g., political, military)
- 戦力 (senryoku) — war potential, fighting strength
- 生産力 (seisanryoku) — productivity, productive power
- 影響力 (eikyōryoku) — influence, persuasive power
Common Expressions & Adjectival Forms:
- 力強い (chikara-zuyoi) — strong, powerful, forceful, robust
- 力一杯 (chikara-ippai) — with all one's might, with full strength
- 力尽きる (chikara-tsukiru) — to run out of strength, to be exhausted
Example Sentences
この仕事は私の力だけではできません。
Kono shigoto wa watashi no chikara dakede wa dekimasen.
I cannot do this job by myself (with my strength alone).
毎日運動して、体力をつけましょう。
Mainichi undō shite, tairyoku o tsukemashō.
Let's exercise every day to build up our physical strength.
新しい技術を学び、自分の能力を高めたいです。
Atarashii gijutsu o manabi, jibun no nōryoku o takametai desu.
I want to learn new skills and improve my own abilities.
夢を実現するために、努力を続けることが大切です。
Yume o jitsugen suru tame ni, doryoku o tsuzukeru koto ga taisetsu desu.
It's important to continue making efforts to achieve your dreams.
みんなで協力すれば、どんな難しい問題でも解決できます。
Minna de kyōryoku sureba, donna muzukashii mondai demo kaiketsu dekimasu.
If everyone cooperates, we can solve any difficult problem.
この小説は力強いメッセージを持っています。
Kono shōsetsu wa chikarazuyoi messēji o motteimasu.
This novel has a powerful message.
彼は力を入れて、その箱を動かしました。
Kare wa chikara o irete, sono hako o ugokashimashita.
He put his strength into moving that box.
社会の発展には、一人一人の創造力が必要です。
Shakai no hatten ni wa, hitori hitori no sōzōryoku ga hitsuyō desu.
For societal development, the creativity of each individual is necessary.
Related Kanji
- 便 — Convenience, Facility, Communication (Kanji N4)
- 工 — Craft, Construction, Work (Kanji N4)
- 近 — Near, Close, Recent (Kanji N4)
- 色 — Color, Expression, Appearance (Kanji N4)
- 肉 — Meat, Flesh, Physicality (Kanji N4)
- 験 — Examination, Verification, Testing (Kanji N4)
Memory Tip
To remember the kanji 力, visualize its simple shape as a strong, flexed bicep or a powerful arm ready to exert force, perhaps pulling something heavy or swinging a tool. The vertical stroke can be seen as the arm, and the curved stroke as the bulging muscle or the handle of a plow, emphasizing the act of labor and strength. Alternatively, think of it as a simplified image of a pickaxe digging into the ground – a tool that requires considerable "power" (力) to use effectively. Whenever you see this kanji, imagine that powerful arm or tool, and the meaning of "strength" or "power" will instantly come to mind, directly linking the visual to its core meaning.