有力

• Pinyin: yǒu lì
• Hanzi breakdown: 有 = to have; 力 = pictograph of a muscular arm representing strength

Meaning

Powerful; forceful; strong. Having strength, influence, or convincing quality.

Can describe physical strength, but more often used for abstract power: arguments, support, measures, evidence. Opposite of 无力 (powerless). Common collocations: 有力的证据 (strong evidence), 有力的支持 (strong support), 有力地推动 (powerfully promote).

Examples

1. 律师提出了有力的证据来证明被告无罪。 The lawyer presented strong evidence to prove the defendant's innocence.
2. 政府采取了有力措施控制物价上涨。 The government took forceful measures to control rising prices.
3. 这个发现为他的理论提供了有力的支持。 This discovery provides strong support for his theory.

Usage Guide

Context: argumentation, policy, support

Tone: assertive

Do Say

• 这是最有力的证据。(This is the strongest evidence.)
• 他有力地反驳了对方的观点。(He forcefully refuted the other party's viewpoint.)

Don't Say

• 他很有力 (Ambiguous — for physical strength, say 他力气很大; for capability, say 他很有能力)

Origin & History

Verb-object compound of 有 (to have) and 力 (strength, power). Direct description of possessing strength.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal