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.
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.
He put on a bold front in front of everyone, but inside he was anxious.
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.