気力

• Reading: きりょく
• Romaji: kiryoku
• Kanji breakdown: 気 (ki) — spirit, energy, mind; 力 (ryoku) — power, strength, force
• Pronunciation: /ki.ɾjo.kɯ/

Meaning

Willpower; energy; vitality. The mental strength and drive to keep going.

A noun describing mental energy and determination — the inner force that sustains effort. Distinct from 体力 (tairyoku, physical strength): 気力 is purely about mental fortitude. Common collocations include 気力が充実する (to be full of vitality), 気力を振り絞る (to muster one's willpower), and 気力がなくなる (to lose one's drive). Often discussed in the context of illness recovery, where 気力 is seen as essential for healing.

Examples

1. 病気の後、気力を取り戻すのに時間がかかった。 It took time to regain my drive after being sick.
2. 気力が充実しているときは何でもうまくいく。 When my willpower is strong, everything seems to go well.
3. 彼は最後まで気力で走り抜いた。 He pushed through to the finish on sheer willpower.

Usage Guide

Context: health, sports, self-improvement

Tone: encouraging

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 気 (ki, spirit/energy) + 力 (ryoku, power/strength). Literally 'spirit power' — the strength of one's inner drive.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal