Translation guide
The English word "force" has many meanings, from physical power to coercion to organized groups. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression for each situation.
Referring to physical force, power, or strength, often in collisions, impacts, or natural phenomena.
General word for physical strength, power, or force. Used for both animate and inanimate subjects.
風の力で木が倒れた。
The tree fell due to the force of the wind.
彼は全力でドアを押した。
He pushed the door with all his force.
Momentum, force of movement, or vigor. Often used for the force of a moving object or action.
ボールがすごい勢いで飛んできた。
The ball came flying with great force.
Physical force in a scientific context. More technical.
物理的な力が物体に作用する。
Physical force acts on the object.
Using power or authority to make someone do something against their will.
Compulsion, coercion. Often used in legal or social contexts.
彼は強制されて署名した。
He was forced to sign.
By force, against one's will. Adverb used in everyday speech.
Causative form meaning 'to make/force someone do'. Context determines if it's force or permission.
母は私に野菜を食べさせた。
My mother forced me to eat vegetables.
To force, compel. More formal and literary.
Referring to a body of people organized for a particular purpose, such as armed forces or a workforce.
Armed forces, military. General term.
彼は軍隊に入った。
He joined the forces.
Unit, corps, force. Refers to a specific group within the military.
Force in the sense of influence or power group, e.g., political force.
Military strength, fighting force. Often used in strategic contexts.
Scientific term for an influence that changes the motion of an object.
The standard physics term for force.
重力は物体に働く力だ。
Gravity is a force that acts on objects.
Loanword from English, used in specific contexts like 'the Force' in Star Wars or in some scientific compounds.
To make something happen by effort or pressure, e.g., force a door open, force a smile.
To do something forcibly or against natural tendency. Pattern: 無理に + verb.
彼は無理に笑った。
He forced a smile.
無理にドアを開けようとした。
He tried to force the door open.
To force something into a tight space, to cram in.
彼は服をカバンに押し込んだ。
He forced the clothes into the bag.
To force open (a door, lock) by prying.
Referring to laws, rules, or agreements being in effect.
To be valid, in effect. Standard expression.
この法律はまだ有効です。
This law is still in force.
To have legal force or effect. Slightly more formal.
その契約は効力がある。
The contract is in force.
English often uses 'force' as a verb (force someone to do something). In Japanese, the causative form (〜させる) or adverbs like 無理やり are more natural than a direct verb equivalent. Using 強制する can sound overly formal or legalistic in casual speech.
力 (chikara) is general physical force or strength. 勢い (ikioi) emphasizes momentum, speed, and the force of movement. Use 勢い when describing something moving forcefully.
無理やり食べさせられた。
I was forced to eat it.
They were forced to endure hardships.
A special force was dispatched.
新しい政治勢力が台頭した。
A new political force emerged.
敵の戦力を分析する。
Analyze the enemy's force.
May the Force be with you.
泥棒は窓をこじ開けた。
The burglar forced the window open.