The Meaning of zenryoku [全力] In Japanese

全力
ぜんりょく
Romaji: zenryoku N4

What does 全力 mean?

Translation and Meaning

full power, all-out effort, with all one’s might

Definition

全力 refers to putting maximum effort or energy into a task, using all of one’s strength to achieve a result.

Type

Noun (名詞)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • Maximum effort as a noun: the state of applying all available power to a task
  • All-out manner: as an adverbial modifier in phrases like 全力で to indicate doing something with full force
  • Collocations with 尽くす: 全力を尽くす to do one’s utmost

Composition

  • 全 — all, entire; on’yomi zen
  • 力 — power, strength; on’yomi ryoku

Usage

Used in both casual and formal contexts to express taking on a challenge with complete commitment; common in sports commentary, motivational speech, business aims, and exams; attaches with particles like で and を particularly in phrases 全力で and 全力を尽くす; conveys intensity without overstating risk.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: imagine a battery icon filled to the brim with energy, where 全 stands for everything and 力 stands for power; zen means everything, ryoku means power, so you remember to give your all.

Variations

  • 一生懸命 (isshōkenmei) — maximal effort
  • 全力で (zenryoku de) — with full power
  • 全力を尽くす (zenryoku o tsukusu) — do one’s utmost
  • 手を抜く (te o nuku) — to slack off (antonym)

Example Phrases

  • 大会前にはみんな全力を出して練習する。
    Taikai mae ni wa minna zenryoku o dashite renshū suru.
    Before the tournament, everyone puts forth full effort and practices.
    Lista:
    • 大会前には (taikai mae ni wa) – before the tournament
    • みんな (minna) – everyone
    • 全力を (zenryoku o) – full effort
    • 出して (dashite) – put forth
    • 練習する (renshū suru) – to practice
    「全力」 here means ‘full effort’ and forms the expression 全力を出す/全力を出して; the te-form connects to 練習する to mean ‘put forth full effort and practice’.
全力