力む · godan verb (-mu)
| Form | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary | 力む | 力まない |
| Polite | 力みます | 力みません |
| Past polite | 力みました | 力みませんでした |
| Past | 力んだ | 力まなかった |
| Te-form | 力んで | 力まないで |
| Desire | 力みたい | 力みたくない |
| Potential | 力める | 力めない |
| Passive | 力まれる | 力まれない |
| Causative | 力ませる | 力ませない |
| Causative passive | 力ませられるalso 力まされる | 力ませられないalso 力まされない |
| Volitional | 力もう | |
| Polite volitional | 力みましょう | |
| Imperative | 力め | 力むな |
| Conditional | 力めば | 力まなければ |
| Tara conditional | 力んだら | 力まなかったら |
godan verb (-mu), intransitive verb
strain oneself; bear down; exert oneself; try too hard
Physical or mental effort where one tenses up, pushes too hard, or forces strength. Often implies unnecessary strain or trying too hard, sometimes with a negative nuance of overexertion.
I strained too hard trying to lift the heavy luggage and hurt my back.
試験中、力んでしまって普段の実力が出せなかった。
During the exam, I tensed up and couldn't perform as well as usual.
godan verb (-mu), intransitive verb
put on a bold front; swagger; bluff; boast
Acting tough, showing off strength, or bluffing to impress others. Often used when someone is trying to appear stronger or more confident than they really are.
彼はみんなの前で力んで見せたが、内心は不安だった。
He put on a bold front in front of everyone, but inside he was anxious.
そんなに力まなくても、ありのままでいいよ。
You don't have to swagger like that; just be yourself.
I tensed up too much during the important match.
He put on a bold front to impress his senpai.
I swung too hard and the ball flew off in a strange direction.