How to Write 力 (power, strength, strong, strain, bear up) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 2-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N4 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 1 (小学1年生)) character 力 (“power, strength, strong, strain, bear up”), indexed under the 力 (ちから (power)) radical. Practice 力 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 力 (ちから (chikara) — power).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (力)
Primary Radical (部首): 力 — ちから (power)
Radical Position: Right (Tsukuri / 旁) (旁 (Tsukuri))
Semantic Theme: Physical strength, effort, power, and labor
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 1 (小学1年生) (JLPT N4). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (リョク, リキ, リイ) when 力 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (ちから) when 力 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (2画): With only 2 strokes, 力 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 力 (ちから (power)) structure (Right (Tsukuri / 旁) position) cleanly around the center intersection and finish terminal strokes with crisp tome (stop) or harai (sweep) release.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Radical: 力 (ちから (power))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 2 strokes under radical 力.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 力
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 力 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 力 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 力 ("power, strength, strong, strain, bear up") is written with 2 strokes (2画) as a JLPT N4 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 1 (小学1年生)) foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes) indexed under the 力 (ちから (power)) radical. With only 2 strokes, 力 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 力 (ちから (power)) structure (Right (Tsukuri / 旁) position) cleanly around the center intersection and finish terminal strokes with crisp tome (stop) or harai (sweep) release.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 力?
For 力 (JLPT N4), the Onyomi is リョク, リキ, リイ and the Kunyomi is ちから. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (リョク, リキ, リイ) when 力 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (ちから) when 力 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 力 includes 力 (ちから (chikara) — power).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 力 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 2 strokes of 力 (power, strength, strong, strain, bear up), start with the 力 (ちから (power)) in the Right (Tsukuri / 旁) (旁 (Tsukuri)) position and follow standard Japanese Hitsujun (筆順) principles: top to bottom (上から下) and left to right (左から右). Practice 力 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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