Meaning

Primary

Full Effort

Alternatives

Every Effort, Best Effort, Full Power

Word Type

noun, の adjective

Explanation

When you put all your power into something, you're putting your full effort into it. Hopefully that's what you put into your kanji learning as well!

Reading

ぜんりょく
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. Since has two on'yomi readings, here's a mnemonic to help you remember which one to use:

With your full effort, you were able to produce a Zen lock (ぜんりょく). It's a lock imbued with the power of Zen, meaning no one and nothing could possibly break it. It's the one lock to rule them all.

Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 全力をあげる

    to make utmost efforts

    全力を出す

    to put forth one's best effort

    全力をつくす

    to use all one's strength

Context Sentences

会社まで全力で走りました。

I ran to the company with my utmost effort.

先生に「あなたは、まだ全力を出してない」と言われてしまった。

The teacher told me, "You haven't used your best effort yet."

もし私がパントリーの方に行こうとしたら、全力で止めて下さい。

If I try to go to the pantry, please stop me with your full power.

Kanji Composition