力
力 represents power, strength, and physical force. Its shape depicts a flexed arm muscle, conveying the idea of muscular effort and capability.
Reading
On’yomi: リョク (ryoku), リキ (riki)
Kun’yomi: ちから (chikara)
Basic Information
| Kanji | 力 |
|---|---|
| Meaning | power, strength, force |
| Stroke Count | 2 |
| JLPT Level | N5 |
How to Understand This Kanji
力 can refer to physical strength, personal ability, or influential power. It emphasizes effort and capability rather than mere size, and appears in words spanning physical, mental, and social strength.
Common Words
- 力（ちから / chikara） — strength, power, force
- 努力（どりょく / doryoku） — effort, endeavor
- 体力（たいりょく / tairyoku） — physical strength, stamina
- 電力（でんりょく / denryoku） — electric power
- 全力（ぜんりょく / zenryoku） — full strength, all one’s effort
- 力士（りきし / rikishi） — sumo wrestler
Example Sentences
-
彼は力が強いです。
かれはちからがつよいです。 / Kare wa chikara ga tsuyoi desu.
He is very strong.
-
もっと努力してください。
もっとどりょくしてください。 / Motto doryoku shite kudasai.
Please try harder.
-
全力でやります。
ぜんりょくでやります。 / Zenryoku de yarimasu.
I will give it my all.
When Learners Usually See This Kanji
You will encounter 力 often in words about strength, ability, and effort. It appears across N5–N3 vocabulary in compound words. The on’yomi リョク is the most common reading in compounds; リキ appears in sumo-related words. For English speakers, 力 is often translated as “power” or “strength,” but in real vocabulary it can also express ability, effort, stamina, or cooperation depending on the word. In 体力, it refers to physical strength or stamina; in 能力, it means ability; in 努力, it means effort; and in 協力, it means cooperation rather than physical power. Learning 力 through common words helps you avoid translating it too literally as only “power.”
Summary
力 means power or strength and is one of the most essential kanji for beginners, appearing in everyday words about ability and effort.
Want to compare kanji for power, energy, and inner feelings? See our guide to Japanese kanji for Power, Energy, and Feeling.