力: the kanji for power and strength
力 is a JLPT N4 kanji that means power, strength. Below are its readings, 14 common words and example sentences, all with audio.
Stroke order
力 is written in 2 strokes. The red stroke is the one to write next, and the dot shows where it starts.
Words by reading
力 has 3 readings in the official Jōyō Kanji Table. Below are 14 common words grouped by reading. Tap ▶ to hear each word (audio plays with a free account).
リョク (ryoku)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 努力どりょく · doryoku | effort |
| 協力きょうりょく · kyōryoku | cooperation |
| 能力のうりょく · nōryoku | ability |
| 実力じつりょく · jitsuryoku | real ability |
| 魅力みりょく · miryoku | charm; appeal |
| 電力でんりょく · denryoku | electric power |
| 学力がくりょく · gakuryoku | academic ability |
| 重力じゅうりょく · jūryoku | gravity |
| 入力にゅうりょく · nyūryoku | input; data entry |
リキ (riki)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 力士りきし · rikishi | sumo wrestler |
| 馬力ばりき · bariki | horsepower |
ちから (chikara)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 力ちから · chikara | power; strength |
| 力仕事ちからしごと · chikara shigoto | physical labor |
| 底力そこぢから · sokojikara | hidden strength |
Example sentences for work and daily life
- ご協力ありがとうございます。Go-kyōryoku arigatō gozaimasu.Thank you for your cooperation.
- 毎日努力しています。Mainichi doryoku shite imasu.I make an effort every day.
- 名前とメールアドレスを入力してください。Namae to mēru adoresu o nyūryoku shite kudasai.Please enter your name and email address.
- 日本語の能力を上げたいです。Nihongo no nōryoku o agetai desu.I want to improve my Japanese ability.
- この仕事は力が要ります。Kono shigoto wa chikara ga irimasu.This job takes strength.
- この町の魅力は何ですか。Kono machi no miryoku wa nan desu ka.What is the appeal of this town?
Questions about 力
How many strokes does 力 have?
力 is written in 2 strokes. The stroke order is shown at the top of this page.
What are the readings of 力?
The on readings are ryoku (リョク), riki (リキ). The kun readings are chikara (ちから).
What does ご協力ありがとうございます mean on a sign?
It means "Thank you for your cooperation." Stores and stations use it on signs that ask you to follow a rule, such as lining up or not smoking.
What JLPT level is 力?
N4. The JLPT does not publish official kanji lists, so this level is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used through 2009.
About the JLPT level
The JLPT does not publish official lists of kanji for each level. The level on this page is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used for the test through 2009. The JLPT states that the current N4 is designed to match the former Level 3.
More JLPT N4 kanji
Body and health
Executive Japanese by CCN is one-on-one online Japanese for managers and directors doing business in Japan.
Sources
- Jōyō Kanji Table (常用漢字表), Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, 2010: readings and special readings of 力
- JLPT Frequently Asked Questions, The Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services: how current levels match the former levels
- Stroke order diagrams are based on KanjiVG by Ulrich Apel, used under CC BY-SA 3.0. The diagrams on this page are shared under the same license.