非力|ひりきhiriki[0]heiban (flat)

Common
Definitions
  1. na-adjective, nounpowerless; weak; lacking physical strength
  2. na-adjective, nounincompetent; lacking ability; powerless
Conjugation
Plain form非力(ひりき)
Polite (desu)非力です(ひりきです)
Negative (dewa nai)非力ではない(ひりきではない)
polite (dewa arimasen)非力ではありません(ひりきではありません)
Past (datta)非力だった(ひりきだった)
Past negative (dewa nakatta)非力ではなかった(ひりきではなかった)
Te form (de)非力で(ひりきで)
Adverbial (ni)非力に(ひりきに)
Conditional (nara)非力なら(ひりきなら)

Common forms generated by rule; see the senses for honorific or irregular usage.

Synonyms & antonyms
  • Synonym無力むりょくNeutralLacking power or ability to act, or having no effect on something, as in 「無力感」; stronger in tone than 「非力」.
  • Synonym弱いよわいNeutralThe most common, everyday adjective for weak, with the broadest range of use; more colloquial than 「非力」.
  • Related脆弱ぜいじゃくNeutralFrail and easily broken, used of systems, structures and foundations, and also of poor health; 「非力」 is about lacking strength.
  • Related無能むのうNeutralIncompetent or good-for-nothing, with a negative nuance; concerns lack of ability rather than physical strength.
  • Antonym強力きょうりょくNeutralPowerful, with great strength; the direct opposite of 「非力」 as a lack of physical strength.
  • Antonym有力ゆうりょくNeutralInfluential or a strong candidate; the opposite of powerless 「非力」.

「非力」 means lacking strength or ability and often serves as the humble phrase 「非力ながら」. For having no power or effect use 「無力」; for everyday weak use 「弱い」. 「脆弱」 is fragility, 「無能」 incompetence; 「強力」 and 「有力」 are antonyms.

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

Japanese definitions
  1. 体力たいりょくが弱よわいさま。
  2. 力量りきりょうなどが乏とぼしいこと。
  3. 権力けんりょくや勢力せいりょくなどの力ちからが弱よわいこと。
Kanji in this word
English equivalents
See also

Say it right, write it right

Core lookup works fully offline, with cloud pronunciation and one-tap save & review. Free, no sign-up.

Free downloadWindowsFree downloadmacOSDownload on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
MobileiOS / Android

Android

QR code for the Google Play pageGet it on Google Play

Scan it with your Android phone to install, or search for “Tomoshi” on Google Play.

iOS

QR code for the App Store pageDownload on the App Store

Scan it with your iPhone camera to install, or search for “Tomoshi” in the App Store.

Install the browser extensionLook words up on any web page · Chrome / Edge / Safari

Screenshot of a Tomoshi lookup resultScreenshot of Tomoshi lookup results on a phone

Windows macOS Chrome / Edge / Safari extension iOS / Android