noun HSK 4
Traditional 力氣
strength · physical power · energy
Meaning
力气 refers to physical strength or the energy required to perform physical tasks. It describes the bodily power someone has to lift, move, or work. The word combines 力 (strength/force) with 气 (energy/breath), literally meaning 'strength-energy.'
Usage
Commonly used in everyday contexts when talking about physical exertion, being tired, or needing energy for manual labor. Often appears with verbs like 用 (use), 有 (have), 没 (lack), or 费 (expend). Can refer to both having strength and the effort expended.
Examples
- 01我今天干了一天活儿，现在一点力气都没有了。, .I worked all day today, and now I have no strength left at all.
- 02这个箱子太重了，你有力气搬吗？, ?This suitcase is too heavy, do you have the strength to carry it?
Characters
Common collocations
- 费力气to expend effort/energy
- 没力气to have no strength, to be weak
- 用力气to use strength
- 省力气to save effort
Origin
The word combines 力 (strength/force) with 气 (vital energy/breath), reflecting traditional Chinese concepts where physical strength is linked to one's qi or life force.