Translation guide
The English word 'powerhouse' refers to a person, organization, or thing of great energy, strength, or influence. This guide helps learners express this concept naturally in Japanese, covering both literal and figurative uses.
Describing a person, team, or organization that is exceptionally powerful, dynamic, or productive.
Often used for sports teams, companies, or competitors that are strong and dominant. Implies a formidable presence.
That team is a powerhouse in the league.
Refers to a force or influence, often used for political, economic, or social powerhouses. Can be combined with other words like 新興勢力 (emerging powerhouse).
That company became a new powerhouse in the industry.
Literally 'person of ability', used for an individual who is a powerhouse due to their skills, influence, or competence.
He is a powerhouse in the political world.
A literary or formal term meaning 'hero' or 'great man', often used in compounds like 政界の雄 (a political powerhouse). Conveys a sense of dominance and excellence.
He is known as a powerhouse in the financial world.
Describing a person who has immense energy, works tirelessly, or produces a lot.
A direct and common way to say 'energetic person'. 'エネルギッシュ' is a loanword from German 'energisch', widely used in Japanese.
She is a real powerhouse.
Means 'person with vitality'. Slightly more formal than エネルギッシュ, emphasizing life force and vigor.
Referring to a machine, engine, or natural source that produces a lot of power.
Means 'power source' or 'source of motive power'. Used for engines, motors, or anything that drives a system.
This engine is the powerhouse of the ship.
Specifically 'power plant' or 'power station'. Used when 'powerhouse' refers to a facility that generates electricity.
The direct loanword from English. Sometimes used in technical or marketing contexts, but not as common as native terms. May sound like jargon.
This device is a real powerhouse.
Referring to the 'powerhouse of the cell', i.e., mitochondria.
The standard biological term. Often used in the set phrase '細胞の発電所' (powerhouse of the cell).
Mitochondria are called the powerhouse of the cell.
Directly translating 'powerhouse' as パワーハウス is not common in natural Japanese. Use context-appropriate terms like 強豪 for organizations, エネルギッシュな人 for energetic individuals, or 動力源 for mechanical sources.
強豪 emphasizes competitive strength and is often used for sports or business rivals. 勢力 is broader, referring to influence or force, and can be used for emerging powers or political factions.
We won the match against a powerhouse school.
A new powerhouse entered the market.
He is a powerhouse, always keeping busy.
Literally 'hard worker', this word emphasizes productivity and diligence. It can be used for a person who is a powerhouse in terms of output.
Our department has many powerhouses.
That dam is an important powerhouse for the region.