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.
あのチームはリーグの強豪だ。
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).
その会社は業界の新たな勢力となった。
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.
彼は政界の実力者だ。
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.
彼は財界の雄として知られている。
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.
彼女は本当にエネルギッシュな人だ。
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.
彼は活力のある人で、いつも忙しくしている。
He is a powerhouse, always keeping busy.
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.
このエンジンは船の動力源だ。
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.
この装置はまさにパワーハウスだ。
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).
ミトコンドリアは細胞の発電所と呼ばれる。
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.
強豪校との試合に勝った。
We won the match against a powerhouse school.
新たな勢力が市場に参入した。
A new powerhouse entered the market.
Literally 'hard worker', this word emphasizes productivity and diligence. It can be used for a person who is a powerhouse in terms of output.
うちの部署には働き者が多い。
Our department has many powerhouses.
そのダムは地域の重要な発電所だ。
That dam is an important powerhouse for the region.