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.
彼は力ずくでドアを開けた。
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.
無理やり連れて行かれた。
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.
腕ずくで相手をねじ伏せた。
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.
強制的に退去させられた。
They were forcibly evicted.
強制的に署名させられた。
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.
有無を言わさず連行した。
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.
力ずくで問題を解決しようとした。
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.
彼の案はごり押しで通った。
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.
反対を押し切って計画を実行した。
They carried out the plan by force, overriding objections.
Fixed expressions that translate to 'by force' in specific contexts.
Specifically 'by military force' or 'by armed force'.
その国は武力で占領された。
The country was taken by force.
A formal expression meaning 'resorting to force'. Often used in political or legal contexts.
力に訴えてでも権利を守る。
We will defend our rights even by force.
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.
力ずくで箱をこじ開けた。
He pried open the box by force.
無理やり彼に歌わせた。
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.