real ability; true strength; competence
Refers to genuine, practical ability or power, as opposed to superficial appearance or theoretical potential. Often used in contexts of testing, demonstrating, or recognizing someone's actual skill.
His real ability is still unknown.
I find out my current level through a proficiency test.
Used in contexts of physical or military force, often in set phrases like 実力行使 (use of force). Less common in everyday conversation.
See also: 実力行使
Force was used against the demonstrators.
He showed his true ability in the final match.
The government indicated its intention to use force.
I tested my real ability with a mock exam.
She has more real ability than her appearance suggests.
His boss acknowledged his real ability and promoted him.
実力 refers to one's actual skill or competence, while 戦力 emphasizes how that ability contributes to a team's or organization's overall strength.
実力 is one's actual, already-demonstrated ability, whereas 底力 is a reserve of strength that only shows itself in a crisis.
実力 stresses proven, actual skill or competence (e.g. in a job or competition), while 力 is the more general word for ability or strength.
実力 is real, practical ability in any skill or field, while 学力 is narrower, referring specifically to academic performance.
実力 refers to one's actual overall competence or strength in general, while 技術力 focuses specifically on technical or technological skill.
実力 is proven, demonstrated skill, in contrast to ポテンシャル, which is promise that has not yet been shown in results.
merit-based; ability-based; performance-oriented
depending on one's ability; according to one's skill