15 Japanese Words for Power You Should Know

japanese words for power

Want to know the Japanese words for power?

Well, Japanese has many types of words… depending on the context.

In general, most Japanese words for power include the kanji character 力 or chikara. So, remember — Chikara is the base word for many words for power in Japanese. For example, 実力 or jitsuryoku means ability but 体力 or tairyoku means physical power.

When you add 力 to kanji characters, you can manipulate the meaning of power to specify what you mean.

So, let’s look at all the must-know Japanese words for power.

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1) Chikara

Chikara is one of the most basic Japanese words for power. It doesn’t have specific nuances, so it’s adaptable in many contexts. You can combine this word with other kanji characters to show the type of power… which you’ll see down below.

  • 力 (ちから)
  • Pronunciation: Chikara
  • Meaning: Strength, power

2) Hakuryoku

This word represents power with a strong force or movement associated with it. Hakuryoku can describe action movies, powerful paintings, or intense performances. It can be the feeling of breathlessness after watching something exciting or moving.

  • 迫力 (はくりょく)
  • Pronunciation: Hakuryoku
  • Meaning: Force, intensity, or power

3) Chikara zuyoi

Chikara zuyoi means very powerful. Chikara implies power, and zuyoi means strong. It helps exaggerate the amount of power or strength. If chikara is not enough, you’ll want to use this one. It’s also possible to use it when listening to a song sung with passion.

  • 力強い (ちからずよい)
  • Pronunciation: Chikara zuyoi
  • Meaning: Very powerful

4) Kenryoku

Describing political power can be done with the word kenryoku. Kenryoku is different from other words that mean power because you can only use it in the context of politics or royalty. In addition, general words for power like 力 or chikara can be too vague in these situations.

  • 権力 けんりょく
  • Pronunciation: Kenryoku
  • Meaning: Political power and authority

5) Ikioi

If you want to describe a force of energy or power that moves quickly, you can use ikioi. Ikioi is a word that is great at showing something that moves fast. For example, you can describe a strong wave, something that is rolling down a hill, or even a plan that is moving fast.

  • 勢い (いきおい)
  • Pronunciation: Ikioi
  • Meaning: Power, energy, or force

6) Tsuyoi

Tsuyoi means strong and is one of the most common Japanese adjectives.

You can use tsuyoi in different situations. It’s perfect to talk about a strong personality or even a strong sports team. Tsuyoi is a general word, and you’ll find that you can combine it with chikara to form chikara zuyoi (the word mentioned above), meaning very strong or powerful.

  • 強い (つよい)
  • Pronunciation: Tsuyoi
  • Meaning: Strong, powerful

7) Pawafuru

English words written in Japanese characters are becoming more popular in Japan. パワフル is the word “powerful” written in Katakana – one of the 3 Japanese alphabets. It means powerful but feels young and modern when written this way. It’s not great for formal contexts but can add some flair to everyday Japanese speech. In contemporary slang, パワ, pawa, can be combined with other shortened English words. An example would be パワハラ, pawahara, meaning power harassment.

  • パワフル
  • Pronunciation: Pawafuru
  • Meaning: Powerful

8) Buryoku

The amount of military power can be described by buryoku. You would likely use it in contexts to show a military’s capabilities, and it can be helpful when you need to talk about a particular country’s military power. If you use the basic word for power, chikara, it wouldn’t be clear whether it is military, political, or influential power.

  • 武力 (ぶりょく)
  • Pronunciation: Buryoku
  • Meaning: Military power

9) Jitsuryoku

Jitsuryoku means someone’s true strength and ability, and it is a significant compliment if someone says that you have a high amount of jitsuryoku. Compared to the word “ability” in English, it shows a permanent ability level deep inside you.

  • 実力 (じつりょく)
  • Pronunciation: Jitsuryoku
  • Ability, true strength

10) Seiryoku

This word describes influence and power. It represents a person’s sphere of influence. It is similar to kenryoku, which means political power or authority. However, the main difference is that seiryoku is purely about influence and not any kind of authority.

  • 勢力 ( せいりょく)
  • Pronunciation: Seiryoku
  • Meaning: Influence, power

11) Tairyoku

Tairyoku describes a person’s physical strength, and it’s great for talking about your physical shape. The kanji for tai represents the body, and the kanji for ryoku represents strength. When both are combined, it means how much power your body has.

  • 体力 (たいりょく)
  • Pronunciation: Tairyoku
  • Meaning: Physical strength

12) Chikara ippai

If you need a word representing the situation when you’re using all of your strength and power, chikara ippai is the one. An athlete might use this word after a competition to say they tried their best, and it’s a great way to show how much effort you put in.

  • 力一杯 (ちからいっぱい)
  • Pronunciation: Chikara ippai
  • Meaning: With all of one’s strength

13) Chikara zuku

Chikara zuku means brute force or power. It’s the perfect word when you don’t have a key, but you’re only trying to open a door with your strength. Rather than using your intelligence to solve a problem, it applies to situations when you’re simply using physical force.

  • 力尽く (ちからずく)
  • Pronunciation: Chikara zuku
  • Meaning: Brute force or power

14) Kiryoku

Motivation can also be a power. Kiryoku represents the kind of power that you use when you’re motivated. If you are not procrastinating and getting all of your tasks done, you have kiryoku. The kanji ki means feeling, and it is combined with ryoku, meaning strength. You can show your intense feelings of motivation with kiryoku.

  • 気力 (きりょく)
  • Pronunciation: Kiryoku
  • Meaning: Motivational power

15) Zairyoku

Money can make you financially powerful. Zairyoku is the power someone has when they can have political, social, and economic power due to their finances. It’s a particular kind of power that only applies when it is due to wealth.

  • 財力 (ざいりょく)
  • Pronunciation: Zairyoku
  • Meaning: Financial power

Back to You!

Now you know the many kinds of Japanese words for power.

In fact, some would be good as tattoos if you’re looking for Japanese tattoo phrases.

And in general, the Japanese language has a variety of other interesting words like… beautiful Japanese words if you click the link.

Anyway, which word was your favorite?

Leave a comment! I read them all.

– The Main Junkie

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