Understanding "力量" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 力量
• Pinyin: lì liàng
• Literal Meaning: "力" means "strength" or "force," and "量" means "quantity" or "capacity." Together, they literally translate to "quantity of strength."
• Primary Meaning: The primary meaning of "力量" is "power," "strength," or "force," referring to physical, mental, or even metaphorical energy.

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"力量" is a versatile word used in various contexts:
- Physical Strength: Describing someone's physical power (e.g., lifting heavy objects).
- Mental/Emotional Strength: Referring to inner resilience or determination.
- Collective Power: Describing the strength of a group, movement, or force (e.g., social or political power).
- Abstract Force: Used metaphorically, such as the "power of love" (爱的力量).

Nuances:
- It can be neutral (simply describing strength) or positive (emphasizing admirable power).
- Often paired with adjectives like "强大" (qiángdà, strong) or "巨大" (jùdà, enormous) to intensify meaning.

Character Breakdown

• 力 (lì): Means "strength," "force," or "energy." Appears in words like 力气 (lìqi, physical strength) and 努力 (nǔlì, to strive).
• 量 (liàng): Means "quantity," "measure," or "capacity." Appears in words like 数量 (shùliàng, amount) and 质量 (zhìliàng, quality).

Together, they emphasize measurable or impactful strength.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 他有很大的力量，能举起重物。
   Pinyin: Tā yǒu hěn dà de lìliàng, néng jǔqǐ zhòng wù.
   English: He has great strength and can lift heavy objects.

2. Chinese: 团结就是力量。
   Pinyin: Tuánjié jiùshì lìliàng.
   English: Unity is strength.

3. Chinese: 音乐的力量能治愈心灵。
   Pinyin: Yīnyuè de lìliàng néng zhìyù xīnlíng.
   English: The power of music can heal the soul.

Cultural Notes

• The phrase "团结就是力量" (Unity is strength) is a well-known Chinese proverb, often used to emphasize collective effort in communities or workplaces.
• In traditional Chinese philosophy, "力量" isn’t just physical—it’s also tied to moral or spiritual energy, such as in martial arts (e.g., 内力, nèilì, internal strength).

Conclusion

"力量" (lìliàng) is a fundamental Chinese word meaning "strength" or "power," applicable to physical, mental, and abstract contexts. Remember its characters: 力 (force) + 量 (capacity) = measurable strength. Use it to describe everything from muscle power to the influence of ideas!