Learn a Chinese Character - 力

1. Character Basics

Radical: 力 (power radical)

Stroke Count: 2

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: lì (Fourth tone)

3. Meaning

Force; power; strength; ability; capability; energy; effort; to strive; to endeavor; might; power; force; strength; vigor; capacity; capability; ability; competence; talent; faculty; force; energy; effort; power; strength; vigor; ability; capacity; capability; competence; talent; faculty; force; energy; effort; power; strength; vigor; ability; capacity; capability; competence; talent; faculty

4. Common Words

• 力量 (lìliàng) - strength; power; force
• 能力 (nénglì) - ability; capability; competence
• 努力 (nǔlì) - to strive; to make efforts; effort
• 力气 (lìqi) - physical strength; effort
• 重力 (zhònglì) - gravity
• 活力 (huólì) - vitality; energy; vigor
• 动力 (dònglì) - power; motivation; driving force
• 实力 (shílì) - actual strength; real power

5. Grammar & Usage

The character "力" has several important functions in Chinese grammar:

Grammar Patterns:

• As a noun meaning "force, power, strength": 力 + 量/气/学 (e.g., 力量 (strength), 力气 (physical strength), 力学 (mechanics))
• In compound nouns referring to various types of power or ability: 能/活/动/实 + 力 (e.g., 能力 (ability), 活力 (vitality), 动力 (driving force))
• In compound verbs: 努/尽/用 + 力 (e.g., 努力 (to strive), 尽力 (to do one's best), 用力 (to exert force))
• As a suffix in certain technical terms: 压/引/张 + 力 (e.g., 压力 (pressure), 引力 (gravitational force), 张力 (tension))
• In idiomatic expressions: "力不从心" (lì bù cóng xīn) - strength does not match one's wishes (to be unable to do as one would like)

6. Cultural Background

The character "力" holds significant cultural importance in Chinese society and philosophy, representing various concepts related to power, strength, and effort.

In Chinese philosophy, particularly in Daoism, the concept of "力" (force/power) is often balanced with the idea of "道" (the Way), emphasizing the harmony between strength and natural principles.

Confucian teachings also touch on the proper use of power and strength, advocating for ethical leadership and the cultivation of inner strength ("内力", nèilì).

The character "力" has deep roots in Chinese culture and can be traced back to ancient oracle bone script, where it was depicted as a representation of a plow or a tool for labor, symbolizing physical strength and productive work.

In modern Chinese society, "力" remains a fundamental concept in various domains, from sports and physical fitness to personal development and social progress. Phrases like "努力奋斗" (nǔlì fèndòu - to strive hard) and "自力更生" (zìlì gēngshēng - self-reliance) reflect the cultural value placed on effort, perseverance, and self-improvement.

The character is also used in the context of traditional Chinese martial arts, where it represents both physical strength and the cultivation of inner power ("气功", qìgōng).

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character "力" (lì) is relatively simple with only 2 strokes, making it easier to remember:

• It consists of a horizontal stroke followed by a diagonal stroke downward and to the right.
• Visualize the character as representing a muscle or a person exerting force, which connects to its meaning of strength and power.
• Another mnemonic: The shape of "力" resembles a clenched fist, symbolizing physical strength and determination.
• Associate the character with common words like "力量" (lìliàng - strength) and "努力" (nǔlì - to strive) to reinforce its meanings.
• Remember that the pronunciation is "lì" with a fourth tone, which is a high-falling tone in Mandarin Chinese.
• Since "力" is a common radical, recognizing it will help you learn many other Chinese characters that contain it, such as "动" (dòng - move), "助" (zhù - help), and "努" (nǔ - strive).