Translation guide
The English word "force" has many meanings, from physical power to coercion to organized groups. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression for each situation.
Referring to physical force, power, or strength, often in collisions, impacts, or natural phenomena.
General word for physical strength, power, or force. Used for both animate and inanimate subjects.
The tree fell due to the force of the wind.
He pushed the door with all his force.
Momentum, force of movement, or vigor. Often used for the force of a moving object or action.
The ball came flying with great force.
Physical force in a scientific context. More technical.
Physical force acts on the object.
Using power or authority to make someone do something against their will.
Compulsion, coercion. Often used in legal or social contexts.
He was forced to sign.
By force, against one's will. Adverb used in everyday speech.
Causative form meaning 'to make/force someone do'. Context determines if it's force or permission.
My mother forced me to eat vegetables.
To force, compel. More formal and literary.
Referring to a body of people organized for a particular purpose, such as armed forces or a workforce.
Armed forces, military. General term.
He joined the forces.
Unit, corps, force. Refers to a specific group within the military.
Force in the sense of influence or power group, e.g., political force.
Military strength, fighting force. Often used in strategic contexts.
Scientific term for an influence that changes the motion of an object.
To make something happen by effort or pressure, e.g., force a door open, force a smile.
To do something forcibly or against natural tendency. Pattern: 無理に + verb.
He forced a smile.
He tried to force the door open.
To force something into a tight space, to cram in.
To force open (a door, lock) by prying.
Referring to laws, rules, or agreements being in effect.
English often uses 'force' as a verb (force someone to do something). In Japanese, the causative form (〜させる) or adverbs like 無理やり are more natural than a direct verb equivalent. Using 強制する can sound overly formal or legalistic in casual speech.
力 (chikara) is general physical force or strength. 勢い (ikioi) emphasizes momentum, speed, and the force of movement. Use 勢い when describing something moving forcefully.
無理やり食べさせられた。
I was forced to eat it.
They were forced to endure hardships.
A special force was dispatched.
新しい政治勢力が台頭した。
A new political force emerged.
敵の戦力を分析する。
Analyze the enemy's force.
May the Force be with you.
彼は服をカバンに押し込んだ。
He forced the clothes into the bag.
The burglar forced the window open.