Translation guide
This guide covers how to express the idea of doing something using physical power, coercion, or compulsion in Japanese. It includes adverbs, verb phrases, and set expressions for different contexts.
To describe an action done by overpowering someone or something physically.
Literally 'with brute strength'. This is the most common and natural way to say 'by force' when physical power is used to open, move, or overcome something.
He opened the door by force.
They tried to force their way in.
Means 'forcibly' or 'against someone's will'. It implies doing something even though there is resistance, often with a nuance of unreasonableness. Can be used for physical force or social pressure.
I was taken away by force.
Similar to 力ずくで but emphasizes using one's arms or physical might. Slightly more literary or dramatic.
He subdued his opponent by force.
To express that someone is made to do something through coercion, authority, or pressure, not necessarily physical.
An adverb meaning 'compulsorily' or 'by force'. Used in formal contexts for actions enforced by law, rules, or authority.
They were forcibly evicted.
I was forced to sign.
Also used for non-physical coercion. Very common in speech.
Literally 'without letting say yes or no'. Means forcing someone to do something without giving them a choice. Often used in narratives.
They took him away by force, giving him no say.
To describe doing something by applying strong will or effort, often overcoming obstacles.
Can also be used metaphorically for pushing through with determination.
He tried to solve the problem by force (brute force).
Colloquial phrase meaning 'by pushing through forcefully', often ignoring objections. Used in business or personal contexts.
His proposal was pushed through by force.
From the verb 押し切る, meaning to overcome opposition and carry out one's will. Often used when someone persists despite resistance.
Fixed expressions that translate to 'by force' in specific contexts.
力ずくで focuses on physical strength, while 無理やり can be used for both physical and psychological coercion. 無理やり often implies unreasonableness or against someone's will, whereas 力ずくで is more neutral about the method.
He pried open the box by force.
They forced him to sing (against his will).
Do not translate 'by force' word-for-word as 力で (chikara de) without context. It sounds unnatural. Use the set phrases above.
無理やり同意させられた。
I was forced to agree.
They carried out the plan by force, overriding objections.