Translation guide
Expresses a supernatural or unexplained force, ability, or energy. Japanese has several common words depending on nuance: spiritual energy, magical power, divine might, or an uncanny ability.
A vague, unseen force or energy, often associated with nature, spirits, or the universe.
The most direct and neutral translation. 'Fushigi na chikara' literally means 'mysterious power' and can be used in many contexts, from fantasy to everyday wonder.
彼は不思議な力で石を動かした。
He moved the stone with a mysterious power.
この森には不思議な力が宿っている。
A mysterious power dwells in this forest.
Spiritual power or energy, often associated with ghosts, spirits, or psychic phenomena. Common in occult or supernatural contexts.
霊力が強い人は幽霊を見ることができる。
People with strong spiritual power can see ghosts.
Life force or energy (similar to Chinese 'qi'). Often used in martial arts, healing, or Eastern philosophy. Can imply a mysterious inner power.
彼は気を集中させて岩を割った。
He focused his ki and split the rock.
Power derived from magic, spells, or wizardry, often in fantasy settings.
Magical power or mana. The standard term in fantasy, games, and anime for the energy used to cast spells.
魔法使いは魔力を使って火を起こした。
The wizard used magical power to start a fire.
この杖は魔力を増幅する。
This staff amplifies magical power.
Literally 'power of magic'. A more descriptive phrase, often used in storytelling or when explaining magic to children.
魔法の力でカボチャが馬車に変わった。
By the power of magic, the pumpkin turned into a carriage.
Power originating from a deity, god, or divine being; often awe-inspiring and beyond human understanding.
Supernatural power of a Buddha or deity; divine power. Used in religious or mythological contexts, but also in fantasy for god-like abilities.
その僧は神通力で空を飛んだと言われている。
It is said that the monk flew through the sky using divine power.
Literally 'power of god/gods'. A straightforward phrase for divine might, often used in myths, games, or dramatic speech.
神の力が奇跡を起こした。
The power of God caused a miracle.
A strange, almost supernatural skill or talent that defies explanation, often in a non-magical context.
Mysterious ability. Used when someone has an uncanny knack for something, like always guessing correctly or having perfect intuition.
彼女には人の心を読む不思議な能力がある。
She has the mysterious ability to read people's minds.
Psychic power, ESP. Refers to abilities like telepathy, telekinesis, or clairvoyance. Often used in sci-fi or paranormal contexts.
彼は超能力でスプーンを曲げた。
He bent the spoon with psychic power.
不思議な力 is the broadest term, covering any unexplained force. 魔力 specifically refers to magic power used by sorcerers. 神通力 implies divine or transcendent power, often associated with Buddhas or gods.
In English, 'mysterious power' can be used loosely for charisma or influence. In Japanese, 不思議な力 is not typically used for personal charm; use 魅力 (みりょく) for 'charm' or カリスマ for 'charisma'.