Sections
Chikara (力): what it means in anime
力
ちから · chikara · force; strength; might JLPT N4
Chikara means "power", "strength" or "force". It is the single most common word in battle anime, covering muscle, magic, political power and inner strength.
Where you hear it 14 of 42 series
Lines from the Japanese subtitles of episodes 1–3 of each show. A translation is shown only when it clearly matches the line; counts are subtitle lines containing the word.
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KonoSuba · 12 lines in episodes 1–3 · this one from episode 1
戦う力なんて ないんですけど！but I have no fighting ability to speak of!
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Demon Slayer · 11 lines in episodes 1–3 · this one from episode 3
刃の向きと 刀を振るとき込める力の方向はThe blade's orientation must be in perfect alignment with the force of your swing.
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One-Punch Man · 10 lines in episodes 1–3 · this one from episode 1
圧倒的な力ってのはHaving overwhelming strength is...
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My Hero Academia · 16 lines in episodes 1–3 · this one from episode 2
えれえ力 こりゃ 大当たりだぜ
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Mob Psycho 100 · 12 lines in episodes 1–3 · this one from episode 3
私の真の“力”を お見せしますよ
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Bleach · 9 lines in episodes 1–3 · this one from episode 2
昨夜 私の死神としての力は—
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Attack on Titan · 8 lines in episodes 1–3 · this one from episode 2
お前に力が無かったからだ
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Chainsaw Man · 8 lines in episodes 1–3 · this one from episode 2
悪魔になって 力を見せてみろ
Also in: Code Geass, Frieren, Steins;Gate, Soul Eater, Naruto, Hunter x Hunter.
Usage and nuance
The same kanji is read りょく (ryoku) inside compounds: 魔力 (maryoku, magic power), 能力 (nouryoku, ability), 体力 (tairyoku, stamina). On its own it is always ちから.
Phrases to listen for: 力が欲しい ("I want power"), 力を貸せ ("lend me your strength"), 力が足りない ("not strong enough"). Nearly every shounen protagonist says at least one of these in the first episodes.
It is also used for ordinary effort, 力になる means "to be of help", so the word is not only about fighting.
Hear 力 in KonoSuba12 lines in episodes 1–3 · tappable subtitles · free, no account