力
Quick Answer
力 is a Chinese character with 2 strokes, radical 力 (power), HSK 3 on the new exam.
Etymology
A flexed arm — strength, power
Mnemonic hooks the visual decomposition to a memorable image. The full oracle-bone to modern evolution is being added character-by-character via the Phase 13 etymology pass.
Basic info
| Stroke count | 2 strokes |
| Radical | 力 (#19: power) |
| New HSK exam | Recognise at HSK 3, write by hand at HSK 3 |
| Frequency | #59 most common |
Example sentences
Words containing 力
| Word | Pinyin | Meaning | HSK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 努力 | nǔlì | Strive | HSK 3 |
| 力气 | lìqi | Strength | HSK 4 |
| 能力 | nénglì | ability | HSK 4 |
| 巧克力 | qiǎokèlì | Chocolates | HSK 4 |
| 压力 | yālì | pressure | HSK 4 |
| 力量 | lìliàng | Power | HSK 5 |
| 权力 | quánlì | power | HSK 6 |
| 尽力 | jìnlì | Try the best | HSK 5 |
| 精力 | jīnglì | energy | HSK 5 |
| 魅力 | mèilì | charm | HSK 5 |
| 暴力 | bàolì | violence | HSK 6 |
| 不力 | bùlì | not do one's best, inefficient | HSK 7-9 |
| 财力 | cáilì | financial resources | HSK 7-9 |
| 吃力 | chīlì | to entail strenuous effort | HSK 7-9 |
| 大力 | dàlì | energetically, vigorously | HSK 5 |
| 得力 | délì | able, capable | HSK 7-9 |
| 动力 | dònglì | power, motivation | HSK 6 |
| 奋力 | fènlì | to do all one can | HSK 7-9 |
| 公信力 | gōngxìnlì | public trust, credibility |
Related characters
Similar meaning (abstract)
On the new HSK 3 exam
Studying for HSK 3? Keep 力 with the rest of your level.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Reviewed by RJ Murray, Founder, HSK Lord.