The Kanji for Strength (力 and 強): Power, Readings & Words

If you want to write “strength” in Japanese, the two kanji you need are 力 and 強. One is a noun (power, force); the other is an adjective (strong). Together they cover almost every “strength” you'll want to express.

力 (chikara) — power, force

力 is one of the first kanji learners meet: just two strokes, shaped like a flexed arm. As a standalone noun it means physical power or ability.

• On'yomi: リョク (ryoku), リキ (riki)
• Kun'yomi: ちから (chikara)
• Stroke count: 2
• Words: 体力 (tairyoku, stamina), 努力 (doryoku, effort), 力持ち (chikaramochi, a strong person).

強 (tsuyoi) — strong

強 is the adjective “strong” and the opposite of 弱い (yowai, weak). It describes people, wind, coffee, opponents — anything with intensity.

• On'yomi: キョウ (kyō), ゴウ (gō)
• Kun'yomi: つよ(い) — tsuyoi, strong; し(いる) — shiiru, to force
• Stroke count: 11
• Words: 強力 (kyōryoku, powerful), 勉強 (benkyō, study), 最強 (saikyō, the strongest).

A useful pairing: 強い vs 力

Notice 強力 (kyōryoku) literally stacks both kanji — “strong + power” = powerful. And 勉強 (benkyō, to study) hides 強 inside it: studying is, etymologically, “forcing yourself.” Spotting 強 inside everyday words makes them easier to remember.

More strength-adjacent kanji

Pair 強 with its antonym 弱 (yowai, weak) and you can describe any matchup. Add 勝 (katsu, to win) and you've got the vocabulary for sports, games, and competition.