力

contributes the sense of physical strength and effort exerted · Kangxi radical 19

contributes the sense of physical strength and effort exerted, and in many characters also supplies the sound lè/lì

The old graph is a simple hooked implement, usually read as the head and handle of a plow — the tool whose use demanded the most muscle — though some read it instead as a flexed arm with a bulging muscle, and the picture is genuinely disputed. Either way you can still see it in the modern two strokes: a bent shoulder or crossbar at the top, and a long stroke driving down and hooking to the left like a blade biting into the ground. The straining sense shows in 力-characters about exertion and its results, such as 功 merit, 劝 to urge, 励 to encourage and 劣 inferior. In others, like 肋 rib, 仂 surplus and 叻, it is there mainly for the sound.

力 at a glance

Meaning

contributes the sense of physical strength and effort exerted

Strokes

2

Characters

61

Role

Contributes meaning

Kangxi radical

19

Characters with 力 (49 of 61)

Frequently asked questions