In 15 Seconds
- Build physical endurance and strength.
- Used for health goals and seasonal preparation.
- Focuses on durability rather than just appearance.
Meaning
This phrase is all about boosting your physical endurance and energy levels. It’s what you say when you want to stop getting tired so easily and build a more durable body.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a new hobby
最近、体力をつけるためにジョギングを始めました。
I started jogging recently to build up my stamina.
Preparing for the summer heat
夏バテしないように、しっかり食べて体力をつけよう！
Let's eat well and build some stamina so we don't get heat exhaustion!
In a professional health consultation
まずは無理のない範囲で体力をつけることが大切です。
First, it's important to build stamina within a reasonable range.
Cultural Background
The phrase is deeply tied to the Japanese concept of 'stamina' (often borrowed as the katakana スタミナ). In Japan, building stamina is seen as a seasonal duty, especially during the humid summer months to prevent 'natsubate' (summer exhaustion). It is also a common topic in 'Bukatsu' (school sports clubs), where building a physical foundation is prioritized over skill training.
The 'Stamina' Food Secret
In Japan, if you see 'Stamina' (スタミナ) on a menu, expect lots of garlic, leeks, and meat. Ordering these is a socially accepted way to say 'I'm building stamina!'
Don't confuse with 'Muscle'
If you want to say you're building muscle, use `筋肉をつける` (kinniku o tsukeru). `体力` is about the engine, `筋肉` is about the chassis.
In 15 Seconds
- Build physical endurance and strength.
- Used for health goals and seasonal preparation.
- Focuses on durability rather than just appearance.
What It Means
Think of your body as a rechargeable battery. 体力をつける is the process of upgrading that battery from a standard one to a 'long-life' version. It isn't just about having big muscles or looking like a bodybuilder. It’s about endurance. It’s about not feeling like a zombie after walking up three flights of stairs. You are essentially telling the world you want to be more durable and physically capable.
How To Use It
You’ll mostly use this phrase when talking about your health goals. It’s a proactive, positive action. You can say 体力をつけたい (I want to build stamina) or 体力をつけるために (In order to build stamina). It’s very common to pair it with specific exercises. For example, 'I’m running to 体力をつける.' You can also use it in relation to food! Eating a big, hearty meal might be your way of trying to 体力をつける before a big event. It’s a very versatile collocation.
When To Use It
This is your go-to phrase for New Year’s resolutions. It’s also perfect for the change of seasons. In Japan, when the humidity hits 90%, everyone starts worrying about their stamina. Use it when you’re planning a big trip, like hiking Mt. Fuji. Or use it when you start a new job that requires standing all day. It shows you are taking your physical readiness seriously. You can even use it when texting a friend to explain why you're finally joining a gym.
When NOT To Use It
Be careful not to use this for mental tasks. If you are studying for a difficult exam, you don't need 体力. You need 集中力 (concentration) or 根気 (perseverance). Also, don't use it if you just want to look good in a swimsuit for a photo. That’s usually ダイエット (dieting) or 体を絞る (toning up). 体力をつける is about function and staying power, not just fashion or aesthetics. Don't use it for temporary energy boosts like drinking an espresso either.
Cultural Background
Japan has a deep obsession with the concept of 'stamina.' You’ll see 'stamina ramen' or 'stamina bowls' (usually topped with garlic, leeks, and pork) at many restaurants. This stems from the need to survive the grueling 'Natsubate' (summer fatigue). There is a cultural belief that physical grit leads to mental grit. By building your body, you are also building your character. It’s a very holistic way of looking at health that blends food, exercise, and willpower.
Common Variations
You might hear 体力がつく, which means the stamina has already been built. It’s the result of your hard work. 体力づくり (stamina-building) is the noun form, often used in titles for exercise classes or government health initiatives. If you’re feeling weak, you’d say 体力が落ちた (my stamina has dropped). This is a common complaint among office workers who realize they can't run for the bus anymore without gasping for air!
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile and safe to use in almost any setting. It focuses on the 'addition' of energy. Remember that `つける` implies an active effort, like exercise or nutrition.
The 'Stamina' Food Secret
In Japan, if you see 'Stamina' (スタミナ) on a menu, expect lots of garlic, leeks, and meat. Ordering these is a socially accepted way to say 'I'm building stamina!'
Don't confuse with 'Muscle'
If you want to say you're building muscle, use `筋肉をつける` (kinniku o tsukeru). `体力` is about the engine, `筋肉` is about the chassis.
Radio Calisthenics
Many Japanese people start their day with 'Rajio Taiso' (Radio Exercises) as a simple, lifelong way to `体力を維持する` (maintain stamina).
Examples
6最近、体力をつけるためにジョギングを始めました。
I started jogging recently to build up my stamina.
A very standard and common way to state a fitness goal.
夏バテしないように、しっかり食べて体力をつけよう！
Let's eat well and build some stamina so we don't get heat exhaustion!
Reflects the cultural link between food and physical endurance.
まずは無理のない範囲で体力をつけることが大切です。
First, it's important to build stamina within a reasonable range.
Shows the phrase used in a professional, advisory capacity.
階段登っただけで息切れ…もっと体力をつけなきゃ。
Out of breath just from the stairs... I really need to build some stamina.
A relatable, slightly self-deprecating use in a casual text.
これを全部食べるための体力をつけてきました！
I've built up the stamina just to eat all of this!
Using the concept of 'stamina' jokingly for an eating challenge.
焦らずに、ゆっくり体力をつけていこうね。
Don't rush; let's slowly build your strength back up.
Used here to mean recovering physical strength after being weak.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct particle and verb form to complete the goal.
来月の登山に向けて、___を___たいです。
`体力をつけたい` (want to build stamina) is the natural collocation for preparing for a physical challenge like mountain climbing.
Which word best fits a conversation about surviving the summer?
日本の夏は暑いから、スタミナ料理を食べて___をつけよう。
`体力` (physical stamina) is what you need for summer. `学力` is academic ability and `視力` is eyesight.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '体力をつける'
Used with friends: '体力をつけなきゃ！'
Gym talk with buddies.
Standard form: '体力をつける'
Daily conversation or health blogs.
Polite form: '体力をつけます'
Talking to a doctor or boss.
When to say '体力をつける'
Starting the Gym
Setting a fitness goal.
Eating 'Stamina' Food
Eating eel or garlic for energy.
Seasonal Change
Preparing for summer heat.
Post-Illness
Recovering strength.
Practice Bank
2 exercises来月の登山に向けて、___を___たいです。
`体力をつけたい` (want to build stamina) is the natural collocation for preparing for a physical challenge like mountain climbing.
日本の夏は暑いから、スタミナ料理を食べて___をつけよう。
`体力` (physical stamina) is what you need for summer. `学力` is academic ability and `視力` is eyesight.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThey are almost identical. 体力 (tairyoku) is the native Japanese word, while スタミナ (stamina) is a loanword. 体力 sounds slightly more general, while スタミナ is often used in sports and food contexts.
Not really. For mental endurance, use 精神力を鍛える (seishin-ryoku o kitaeru - train mental strength) or 忍耐力をつける (nintai-ryoku o tsukeru - build patience/endurance).
It's the most common for 'building.' You can also use 体力を養う (tairyoku o yashinau) for 'cultivating' stamina, which sounds a bit more literary or long-term.
You say 体力がない (tairyoku ga nai) or 体力不足 (tairyoku busoku - stamina deficiency).
Yes, it's a neutral medical/health term. Just add the polite ending: 体力をつけたいです (tairyoku o tsuketai desu).
Absolutely. Parents often talk about 体力をつける so their kids grow up healthy and don't catch colds easily.
つける is the active 'to build' (transitive), while つく is the result 'to be built' (intransitive). Example: 体力をつける (I build stamina) vs 体力がついた (Stamina was built/I have more stamina now).
No. While exercise often leads to both, 体力をつける specifically focuses on energy and endurance, not weight loss.
Not really a slang version, but young people might just say スタミナつける (stamina tsukeru) dropping the 体力 entirely.
Yes, it's very common in the context of elderly health to prevent 'furaeru' (frailty). It's a very positive thing to say.
Related Phrases
スタミナをつける
Build stamina (using the loanword).
体を鍛える
To train/work out the body.
体力を維持する
To maintain stamina.
夏バテを防ぐ
To prevent summer exhaustion.
足腰を強くする
To strengthen one's legs and hips (common for aging).
