How to say "powerless" in Japanese

• 非力ひりきCommon
  na-adjective, nounCovers the physical sense of 'powerless': lacking strength in the body. A common word, it describes a person who is physically weak, not someone unable to act in a difficult situation.
• なすすべもない
  expression, i-adjectiveCovers the helpless sense: having no means of dealing with something, at a loss for what to do. Less common, and usually written in kana alone; it fits situations where nothing can be done.

Use 非力 for the physical sense of 'powerless', meaning lacking bodily strength, and 「なすすべもない」 for the sense of being helpless or at a loss, with no means of acting in a situation.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 非力ひりきpowerless
• なすすべもないhaving no choice