力を発揮する
chikara o hakki suru
demonstrate ability
Literally: to exhibit or demonstrate one's power
In 15 Seconds
- Showing your true skills when they are needed most.
- Commonly used for sports, exams, and professional achievements.
- A positive way to describe someone performing at their best.
Meaning
This phrase is all about showing the world what you're truly capable of. It’s that 'clutch' moment when your skills, talent, or strength finally come out to shine.
Key Examples
3 of 6Encouraging a friend before a big game
試合で練習の成果を十分に発揮してください！
Please fully demonstrate the results of your practice in the match!
A manager praising an employee after a presentation
今日のプレゼンでは、彼の能力が発揮されていましたね。
His abilities were really on display in today's presentation.
Texting a friend about a failed exam
緊張しすぎて、全然力を発揮できなかったよ。
I was so nervous I couldn't show what I'm capable of at all.
Cultural Background
In Japanese companies, 'showing strength' is often discussed in terms of 'contribution to the group.' An individual who shows great strength but disrupts harmony (wa) may be viewed less favorably than one who shows moderate strength while supporting others. The 'Entrance Exam Hell' (juken jigoku) makes this phrase vital. Students are constantly told to 'hakki' their strength on the day of the exam, leading to a massive industry of 'omamori' (charms) specifically for this purpose. Shonen manga often uses this phrase during 'awakening' moments. It signifies a character reaching a new level of maturity or power, often triggered by the desire to protect friends. Japanese engineers use this to describe the 'synergy' of different parts working together. It’s not just about the engine; it’s about the whole car 'hakki-ing' its design potential.
Pair it with 'Honrai no'
Using '{本来|ほんらい}の{力|ちから}を{発揮|はっき}する' (to show one's *original/true* strength) makes you sound like a native speaker, especially when talking about overcoming nerves.
Don't use for physical lifting
If you are helping someone move a sofa, don't say you are 'hakki-ing' your strength. Just use '{力|ちから}を{使|つか}う' or '{力|ちから}を{出|だ}す'.
In 15 Seconds
- Showing your true skills when they are needed most.
- Commonly used for sports, exams, and professional achievements.
- A positive way to describe someone performing at their best.
What It Means
Think of this as your 'superhero' moment. It’s not just about having a skill. It’s about actually using it when it matters most. You’ve practiced, you’ve studied, and now it’s showtime. You are letting your inner power out for everyone to see. It’s very positive and encouraging.
How To Use It
You usually use this with a person as the subject. You can say someone 'demonstrated' their ability in a game or a test. It often pairs with adverbs like 十分に (fully). This makes you sound like you really nailed it. It’s a great way to praise someone who did a great job under pressure. Just remember, the 'power' here is your skill, not physical lifting strength.
When To Use It
Use this during big life events. Think of sports matches, job interviews, or music recitals. If your friend is nervous about a presentation, tell them to 力を発揮して (show your strength). It works perfectly in professional settings too. It sounds polished but still very heartfelt. You’ll hear it a lot in sports commentary when a player scores a winning goal.
When NOT To Use It
Don’t use this for tiny, everyday tasks. If you successfully opened a jar of pickles, don’t say you 'demonstrated your ability.' It sounds way too dramatic and a bit silly. Also, avoid using it for things that happen by accident. This phrase implies you worked hard to get this good. It’s about earned skill, not just luck or brute force.
Cultural Background
In Japan, there is a big emphasis on 'jitsuryoku' or true ability. People often hide their talents to stay humble. This phrase is the moment that 'hidden' talent becomes visible. It’s the payoff for all that quiet 'ganbaru' (trying your best). It’s a socially acceptable way to acknowledge someone’s greatness without sounding arrogant. It’s like saying, 'The hard work finally paid off.'
Common Variations
You might hear 本領を発揮する (honryou o hakki suru). This means 'to show one's true colors' or 'real specialty.' It’s a bit more intense than the standard version. Another one is 実力を発揮する, which specifically focuses on your actual capability. Both are very common in news and anime. They all carry that same vibe of 'unleashing the beast' within.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral-to-formal collocation. It is safe to use in almost any context where someone is performing a task that requires skill. Avoid using it for purely physical, non-skilled labor.
Pair it with 'Honrai no'
Using '{本来|ほんらい}の{力|ちから}を{発揮|はっき}する' (to show one's *original/true* strength) makes you sound like a native speaker, especially when talking about overcoming nerves.
Don't use for physical lifting
If you are helping someone move a sofa, don't say you are 'hakki-ing' your strength. Just use '{力|ちから}を{使|つか}う' or '{力|ちから}を{出|だ}す'.
Modesty vs. Hakki
While Japanese culture values modesty, in a job interview, it is expected and necessary to use this phrase to describe your potential contributions.
Examples
6試合で練習の成果を十分に発揮してください！
Please fully demonstrate the results of your practice in the match!
A very common way to cheer someone on.
今日のプレゼンでは、彼の能力が発揮されていましたね。
His abilities were really on display in today's presentation.
Uses the passive form to sound more objective and professional.
緊張しすぎて、全然力を発揮できなかったよ。
I was so nervous I couldn't show what I'm capable of at all.
Using the negative form to express regret or disappointment.
ついにエースが本領を発揮しました！
The ace has finally shown his true colors!
Using 'honryou' adds more drama to the moment.
うちの猫、虫を見つけるとすごい力を発揮するんだよね。
My cat really shows its true power when it finds a bug.
Applying a serious phrase to a silly situation for comedic effect.
チーム全員が力を発揮したおかげで、成功しました。
We succeeded because everyone on the team gave it their all.
Emphasizes collective effort and individual contribution.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct kanji for 'hakki'.
{本番|ほんばん}で{実力|じつりょく}を____する。
The correct kanji is {発揮|はっき}. {揮|き} means to brandish or command.
Which situation is MOST appropriate for using '{力|ちから}を{発揮|はっき}する'?
Choose the best context:
The phrase is used for significant achievements where potential is demonstrated.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {明日|あした}のプレゼン、{緊張|きんちょう}するよ。 B: {大丈夫|だいじょうぶ}だよ。いつもの____。
This is a natural way to encourage someone to do their best.
Match the adverb to the nuance of '{力|ちから}を{発揮|はっき}する'.
Match 'Fully' with its Japanese counterpart used with this phrase.
{遺憾|いかん}なく (ikan-naku) means 'fully' or 'without regret' and is a very common formal pairing.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises{本番|ほんばん}で{実力|じつりょく}を____する。
The correct kanji is {発揮|はっき}. {揮|き} means to brandish or command.
Choose the best context:
The phrase is used for significant achievements where potential is demonstrated.
A: {明日|あした}のプレゼン、{緊張|きんちょう}するよ。 B: {大丈夫|だいじょうぶ}だよ。いつもの____。
This is a natural way to encourage someone to do their best.
Match 'Fully' with its Japanese counterpart used with this phrase.
{遺憾|いかん}なく (ikan-naku) means 'fully' or 'without regret' and is a very common formal pairing.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! It is very common to say a machine or system is 'hakki-ing' its power or effect.
It's a bit formal, but perfectly fine when talking about serious topics like sports or exams.
'Ganbaru' is about the effort (trying hard). 'Chikara o hakki suru' is about the result (showing the skill).
It is a noun that becomes a verb when you add 'suru'.
Yes, it's a polite way to say 'Please do your best/show us what you've got.'
No, in this context it usually means 'ability' or 'talent'.
The most common opposite is '{実力|じつりょく}を{出|だ}せない' (cannot put out one's ability).
Constantly. It's a staple of sports and political journalism.
Yes, '{効果|こうか}を{発揮|はっき}する' is the standard way to say a medicine is working.
It is almost always 'chikara o' because you are the one actively displaying the strength.
Related Phrases
{実力|じつりょく}を{出|だ}す
similarTo put out one's real ability.
{本領|ほんりょう}を{発揮|はっき}する
specialized formTo show one's true colors/specialty.
{本気|ほんき}を{出|だ}す
similarTo get serious.
{成果|せいか}を{上|あ}げる
builds onTo achieve results.
