Power
力
Power / Strength
Kun-yomi 🇯🇵:
ちから (chikara)
(Japanese reading)On-yomi 🇨🇳:
リョク (ryoku) / リキ (riki)
(Chinese-derived reading)
Pronunciation rules
- ちから (chikara) is the kun-yomi used when the kanji stands alone meaning "power" or "strength".
- リョク (ryoku) is the on-yomi used in compounds like 水力 (すいりょく, suiryoku: water power) and 体力 (たいりょく, tairyoku: physical strength).
- リキ (riki) is another on-yomi reading used in some compounds.
- Etymology: Picture of a well-muscled arm → power
Examples
Kun-yomiNative Japanese Readings
力 が つよい です。
The power is strong.
Uses kun-yomi ちから (chikara) when the kanji stands alone meaning power or strength
On-yomiSino-Japanese Readings
水力 で はたらきます。
I work with water power.
Uses on-yomi リョク (ryoku) in compound 水力
体力 が あります。
I have physical strength.
Uses on-yomi リョク (ryoku) in compound 体力
Quick facts
- Radical: 力 (itself)
- Strokes: 2
- Common compounds: 水力 (すいりょく, suiryoku), 体力 (たいりょく, tairyoku)
- ⚠️ Reading usage:
- Standalone: ちから (chikara) - power, strength
- In compounds: りょく (ryoku) or りき (riki)
Key Words
水力 - water power
体力 - physical strength