expression, adverb
by brute force; by sheer strength
Describes doing something using physical power alone, often without finesse or consent. Can imply forceful, rough, or coercive action.
彼は力ずくでドアをこじ開けた。
He forced the door open by sheer strength.
力ずくで問題を解決しようとしてはいけない。
You shouldn't try to solve problems by brute force.
力任せ emphasizes relying on one's strength without restraint, often with a nuance of recklessness. 力ずくで focuses more on the method of using force to achieve something, sometimes against resistance.
Compound of 力 (chikara, 'strength') + ずく (zuku, 'relying on, by means of') + particle で. The ずく is a suffix meaning 'by means of' or 'depending on', often seen in words like 腕ずく (by force of arms).