力度

• Pinyin: lì dù
• Hanzi breakdown: 力 = 力 (force/strength); 度 = 广 + 廿 + 又 (measure/degree)

Meaning

Intensity; force; the degree of strength or effort applied. Used for physical force, rhetorical emphasis, and the vigour of policy or action.

Common in policy language (加大力度 = intensify efforts), music theory (expressing dynamics), and physical descriptions. More precise and formal than 力量, as it implies a measurable scale or degree.

Examples

1. 政府宣布将进一步加大对环境违规行为的执法力度。 The government announced it would further step up enforcement against environmental violations.
2. 演讲者在关键段落明显加重了语气，增加了说服的力度。 In key sections of the speech, the speaker noticeably intensified their tone, adding to the argument’s force.
3. 这项改革措施的力度之大，在近十年来实属罕见。 The sheer strength of this reform measure is rare for the past decade.

Usage Guide

Context: policy, enforcement, rhetoric, music, physical description

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 为遏制房价过快上涨，监管部门需加大调控力度，出台更有针对性的措施。(To curb excessively rapid property price increases, regulators need to intensify control efforts and introduce more targeted measures.)
• 此次审计的力度前所未有，所有部门的财务记录均被纳入核查范围。(The intensity of this audit is unprecedented; financial records from all departments have been included in the review.)

Don't Say

• 用'力度'描述人的体力或肌肉力量 — 应用'力气'或'力量'，力度专指行动或措施的强度程度

Origin & History

力 (strength/force) + 度 (degree/measure/extent)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal