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实力 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
实力shílìstrengthHSK 5, n, 10 strokes, rank #3613, Hard
shílì(shi2li4)shi li T2
  1. 1strength
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March 24, 2026

实力(實力)shílì(shi2li4)

实力 (shìlì) refers to one's strength or capability, often in a competitive or practical context. It can describe a person's abilities, resources, or overall power, especially in areas such as business, sports, or academics. The term is frequently used to emphasize the importance of tangible skills and competencies rather than just theoretical knowledge.

Strokes10Frequency#3613DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 实力 is deeply tied to social and professional status, where one's capabilities are often seen as a reflection of personal worth. This is particularly evident in job recruitment and educational settings, where practical skills are highly valued.

Memory Tip

Think of 实 (shí) as a 'real' thing and 力 (lì) as 'strength'. Visualize a strong person lifting a heavy weight in a gym—this illustrates real strength. The pronunciation 'shìlì' sounds like 'she's lifting', which can help you remember the word's meaning.

Meanings of 实力

shílì(shi2li4)
1strength
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 实力

实力Simplified
實力Traditional
10Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3613Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2

Podcast: 实力

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Podcast: 实力

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AI Study Notes for 实力

Quick Contrast

能力 (nénglì) refers to one's general ability or capacity to do something, while 实力 emphasizes practical strength or resources, particularly in competitive contexts.

Usage Notes

Be cautious of using 实力 in overly casual contexts; it is more formal and often used in professional or competitive discussions. Common collocations include '增强实力' (to enhance strength) and '实力派' (powerful faction). Ensure the correct tones are used, as confusion can change the meaning.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 实力 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to competence and capability. Focus on using it in contexts like business discussions or debates where strengths are evaluated. Study phrases that pair well with 实力 to enhance fluency.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 实力 with 力量 (lìliàng), which means 'physical strength'. For example, saying '他的力量很大' (His strength is very big) when discussing skills is incorrect; instead, use '他的实力很大' to refer to capabilities.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 实力

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Component Characters

实shíreal
HSK 48 strokes宀
View full entry
力lìpower
HSK 52 strokes力
View full entry

How to say strength in Chinese

“strength” in Chinese is实力shílì

实力 (shìlì) refers to one's strength or capability, often in a competitive or practical context. It can describe a person's abilities, resources, or overall power, especially in areas such as business, sports, or academics. The term is frequently used to emphasize the importance of tangible skills and competencies rather than just theoretical knowledge.

When to use 实力

Be cautious of using 实力 in overly casual contexts; it is more formal and often used in professional or competitive discussions. Common collocations include '增强实力' (to enhance strength) and '实力派' (powerful faction). Ensure the correct tones are used, as confusion can change the meaning.

实力 or something close to it

能力 (nénglì) refers to one's general ability or capacity to do something, while 实力 emphasizes practical strength or resources, particularly in competitive contexts.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 实力 with 力量 (lìliàng), which means 'physical strength'. For example, saying '他的力量很大' (His strength is very big) when discussing skills is incorrect; instead, use '他的实力很大' to refer to capabilities.

Write 实力

实
力

Practice writing 实力 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 实力

实力 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 4

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

他们有一支____雄厚的队伍和一些出色的选手。

They've got a strong squad and some great players.

Example Sentences for 实力 (6)

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1
他们有一支实力雄厚的队伍和一些出色的选手。

tā mén yǒu yī zhī shí lì xióng hòu de duì wǔ hé yī xiē chū sè de xuǎn shǒu。

They've got a strong squad and some great players.
2
这支部队不会容忍对其实力的削弱。

zhè zhī bù duì bù huì róng rěn duì qí shí lì de xiāo ruò。

The army will brook no weakening of its power.
3
这个队伍的丰富经验和表现出来的实力是众所公认的。

zhè gè duì wǔ de fēng fù jīng yàn hé biǎo xiàn chū lái de shí lì shì zhòng suǒ gōng rèn de。

Few would argue that this team has experience and proven ability.
4
今晚投票的结果很难预料,双方实力可能会很接近,这令人紧张不安。

jīn wǎn tóu piào de jié guǒ hěn nán yù liào, , shuāng fāng shí lì kě néng huì hěn jiē, jìn , zhè líng rén jǐn zhāng。

Tonight's knife-edge vote could be uncomfortably close.
5
这支部队要过一段时期才能恢复实力.

zhè zhī bù duì yào guò yī duàn shí qī cái néng huī fù shí lì.

It's going to be some time before the troop recovers its strength.
6
最优秀的队员受了伤,使得这支队伍的实力大打折扣。

zuì yōu xiù de duì yuán shòu le shāng, , shǐ dé zhè zhī duì wǔ de shí lì dà dǎ zhē。

The team suffered a major setback when their best player was injured.

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Cultural Notes for 实力

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, the concept of strength may often emphasize individualism and personal achievement, whereas in Chinese contexts, 实力 can be more communal, reflecting collective capabilities and contributions to a group.

Frequently Asked Questions about 实力

You can say '他的实力很强' (His strength is very strong) to describe someone's capabilities.

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