na-adjective, noun
herculean strength; mighty power
Describes extraordinary physical strength or power, often in a literary or emphatic context. Can be used as a noun or adjectival noun.
彼は強力な力で岩を持ち上げた。
He lifted the rock with herculean strength.
その薬は強力な効果がある。
That medicine has a powerful effect.
noun
mountain carrier-guide
Only when written 強力
Historical term for a person who carried goods and guided travelers in mountainous areas. Restricted to the 強力 spelling.
昔、山道では強力が荷物を運んだ。
In the old days, mountain carrier-guides transported luggage along mountain paths.
The reading ごうりき is a combination of 強 (strong) and 力 (power). The historical derivation of the 'mountain carrier-guide' sense is uncertain, but it may be related to the idea of great strength needed for such work.