Japanese Symbol for
力chikara
power · force · authority
Readings
Meaning
Power, force, strength, authority, influence, ability. 力 covers both raw physical power and broader forms of influence and capability. It is one of the most used kanji in the language.
Example words
権力
kenryoku
power, authority, influence
威力
iryoku
power, might, authority
勢力
seiryoku
influence, power, force, energy
迫力
hakuryoku
force, intensity, impact, power
全力
zenryoku
full power, all one's strength
動力
dōryoku
power, motive force, drive
力 (chikara) and 権力 (kenryoku) represent different dimensions of power. 力 is raw capability — the power of a person, a storm, or an engine. 権力 is political/social authority — the power held by governments and institutions. Both use the same fundamental kanji.
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