抵抗力 in 30 Seconds
- 抵抗力 (teikōryoku) means resistance or immunity.
- It's used for health, resilience, and enduring challenges.
- Strong 抵抗力 means you get sick less often.
- It applies to both physical and mental strength against hardship.
- Core Meaning
- The Japanese word 抵抗力 (ていこうりょく - teikōryoku) translates to 'resistance' or 'immunity' in English. It refers to the ability of something, particularly a living organism like the human body, to withstand or fight off external forces, diseases, or challenges. This concept extends beyond biology to encompass abstract notions of resilience and the capacity to endure difficulties.
- Biological Context
- In a biological sense, 抵抗力 is often used when discussing health and the body's defense mechanisms. A strong 抵抗力 means a person is less likely to get sick, or if they do, they can recover more quickly. Conversely, a weak 抵抗力 implies a greater susceptibility to illness. Doctors might advise patients to improve their 抵抗力 through diet, exercise, or sleep.
- Abstract Usage
- Beyond health, 抵抗力 can describe the resilience of systems or individuals against various forms of pressure or hardship. For example, a community might be said to have strong 抵抗力 if it can bounce back from natural disasters or economic downturns. Similarly, an individual's psychological 抵抗力 refers to their ability to cope with stress and adversity.
- Common Scenarios
- You'll frequently encounter 抵抗力 in discussions about:
- **Health and Medicine:** Boosting the immune system, preventing illness, recovering from sickness.
- **General Well-being:** The importance of a healthy lifestyle for maintaining bodily defenses.
- **Psychology:** Mental fortitude, coping mechanisms, resilience to stress.
- **Sociology/Economics:** A society's ability to withstand crises.
During flu season, it is important to take measures to increase your body's 抵抗力.
The community showed remarkable 抵抗力 in rebuilding after the earthquake.
- Kanji Breakdown
- 抵抗 (teikō) means 'resistance' or 'opposition'. 力 (ryoku/chikara) means 'power' or 'strength'. Together, they literally mean 'resistance power'.
A healthy lifestyle helps to build up your 抵抗力.
- Basic Structure
- 抵抗力 (teikōryoku) is a noun. It can be the subject of a sentence, the object, or used in conjunction with other particles. It is often modified by adjectives like 強い (tsuyoi - strong) or 弱い (yowai - weak).
- With Adjectives
- - **強い抵抗力 (tsuyoi teikōryoku):** Strong resistance/immunity.
- **弱い抵抗力 (yowai teikōryoku):** Weak resistance/immunity.
- **抵抗力がある (teikōryoku ga aru):** To have resistance/immunity.
- **抵抗力がない (teikōryoku ga nai):** To not have resistance/immunity. - As a Subject
-
子供の抵抗力は大人よりも弱い傾向がある。
Children's resistance tends to be weaker than adults'. - As an Object
-
十分な睡眠は、体の抵抗力を高めるのに役立ちます。
Sufficient sleep helps to increase the body's resistance. - With Particles
- - **抵抗力について (teikōryoku ni tsuite):** About resistance/immunity.
- **抵抗力が増す (teikōryoku ga masu):** Resistance/immunity increases.
- **抵抗力に影響する (teikōryoku ni eikyō suru):** To affect resistance/immunity. - Examples in Context
-
この新しい薬は、病原体に対する抵抗力を高めることが期待されています。
This new medicine is expected to enhance resistance against pathogens. ストレスは、私たちの精神的な抵抗力に悪影響を与えることがあります。
Stress can negatively affect our mental resistance. 運動習慣は、体の抵抗力を維持するために重要です。
Regular exercise is important for maintaining the body's resistance.
- Medical Consultations
- Doctors and nurses frequently use 抵抗力 when discussing a patient's health. They might ask about your general resistance to illness, advise on ways to strengthen it, or explain how a particular condition might affect your 抵抗力. For instance, a doctor might say, 「最近、抵抗力が落ちているようですね。しっかり休んでください。」(Saikin, teikōryoku ga ochite iru yō desu ne. Shikkari yasunde kudasai. - It seems your resistance has been low recently. Please get plenty of rest.)
- Health and Wellness Media
- Health magazines, websites, and TV programs often discuss ways to improve 抵抗力. Articles might cover topics like 'Foods that Boost Your Resistance' or 'Exercises to Enhance Your Body's Defense Power'. You'll see headlines like 「抵抗力を高めるための5つの秘訣」(Teikōryoku o takameru tame no itsutsu no hiketsu - 5 Secrets to Increase Your Resistance).
- Discussions about Children's Health
- Parents often talk about their children's 抵抗力. They might worry if their child gets sick often, attributing it to weak resistance. Phrases like 「子供の抵抗力が心配です。」(Kodomo no teikōryoku ga shinpai desu. - I'm worried about my child's resistance.) are common. Conversely, seeing a child recover quickly might lead to comments about their good 抵抗力.
- Psychology and Self-Help
- In contexts related to mental health and resilience, 抵抗力 can refer to psychological fortitude. Self-help books or seminars might discuss building mental 抵抗力 to cope with stress or difficult life events. You might hear about developing 「精神的な抵抗力」(seishinteki na teikōryoku - mental resistance).
- Disaster Preparedness
- When discussing a community's or nation's ability to withstand major crises like natural disasters or economic recessions, 抵抗力 can be used. News reports might analyze a region's 抵抗力 in recovering from a disaster.
- Sports and Fitness
- While less common than in health, in some sports contexts, 抵抗力 might be used to describe an athlete's ability to endure physical strain or resist fatigue. However, more specific terms like 持久力 (jikyūryoku - stamina) or 筋力 (kinryoku - muscle strength) are usually preferred.
- Everyday Conversations
- In casual conversations, especially during cold and flu season, people might say things like 「今年は風邪をひかないように、抵抗力をつけたい。」(Kotoshi wa kaze o hikanai yō ni, teikōryoku o tsuketai. - I want to build up my resistance so I don't catch a cold this year.)
- Scientific Research
- In academic papers and scientific discussions, 抵抗力 is used precisely to denote resistance against pathogens, environmental stressors, or other detrimental factors. Research might focus on factors influencing genetic 抵抗力 or the impact of lifestyle on acquired 抵抗力.
- Confusing with 免疫力 (men'ekiryoku)
- The most common confusion is between 抵抗力 (teikōryoku) and 免疫力 (men'ekiryoku). While both relate to the body's defense, 免疫力 specifically refers to the immune system's ability to recognize and fight off pathogens using antibodies and immune cells. 抵抗力 is a broader term that encompasses general resilience, including the immune system but also other factors contributing to overall robustness against illness or hardship. Think of 免疫力 as the specific army and 抵抗力 as the overall strength and preparedness of the nation.
- Overusing it for Non-Biological Resistance
- While 抵抗力 can be used metaphorically for abstract resilience (e.g., mental resistance), it's important not to overuse it in situations where more specific words are better. For example, instead of saying 「彼の精神的抵抗力はすごい」(Kare no seishinteki teikōryoku wa sugoi - His mental resistance is amazing), you might more precisely say 「彼の精神的な強さ」(Kare no seishinteki na tsuyosa - His mental strength) or 「彼の逆境に耐える力」(Kare no gyakkyō ni taeru chikara - His ability to endure adversity).
- Incorrect Grammatical Attachment
- As a noun, 抵抗力 needs appropriate particles. Learners might forget particles like が (ga) when it's the subject or を (o) when it's the direct object, leading to unnatural sentences. For instance, saying 「抵抗力高める」(Teikōryoku takameru) is incorrect; it should be 「抵抗力を高める」(Teikōryoku o takameru - to increase resistance).
- Using it for Physical Strength
- 抵抗力 is not synonymous with physical strength (体力 - tairyoku or 筋力 - kinryoku). While good physical condition can contribute to better 抵抗力, they are distinct concepts. You wouldn't say someone has high 抵抗力 just because they can lift heavy weights; that's体力 or 筋力. 抵抗力 is about withstanding harm or illness.
- Literal Translation Issues
- Directly translating 'resistance' from English might lead to using 抵抗力 in contexts where it doesn't fit naturally in Japanese. For example, in English, we might talk about 'resistance to change', but in Japanese, other words like 「変化への抵抗」(henka e no teikō) or 「変化を受け入れない姿勢」(henka o ukeirenai shisei - an attitude of not accepting change) might be more appropriate depending on the nuance.
- 免疫力 (men'ekiryoku)
- Comparison: This is the closest synonym but more specific. 免疫力 refers strictly to the immune system's defense mechanisms (antibodies, white blood cells, etc.). 抵抗力 is broader, encompassing the immune system plus general bodily resilience and ability to withstand illness or external challenges.
Usage: Use 免疫力 when specifically discussing the immune system's function against diseases. Use 抵抗力 for general health, well-being, and broader resilience.
Example: 「ワクチンの効果は免疫力を高めることです。」(Wakuchin no kōka wa men'ekiryoku o takameru koto desu. - The effect of vaccines is to boost immunity.) vs. 「健康的な食事は抵抗力をつけるのに役立ちます。」(Kenkōteki na shokuji wa teikōryoku o tsukeru no ni yakudachimasu. - A healthy diet helps build resistance.) - 体力 (tairyoku)
- Comparison: 体力 means physical strength, stamina, or physical fitness. It's about the body's capacity for physical exertion. 抵抗力 is about withstanding harm or disease. Good 体力 can contribute to good 抵抗力, but they are not the same.
Usage: Use 体力 when discussing an athlete's endurance, one's ability to do strenuous work, or general physical fitness.
Example: 「彼はまだ体力が十分にある。」(Kare wa mada tairyoku ga jūbun ni aru. - He still has plenty of physical strength.) vs. 「この時期は抵抗力をつけることが大切です。」(Kono jiki wa teikōryoku o tsukeru koto ga taisetsu desu. - It's important to build up resistance during this season.) - 耐性 (taisei)
- Comparison: 耐性 means tolerance, resistance, or resilience, often in a more specific or technical context. It can refer to drug resistance in bacteria, resistance to a specific environmental factor, or even psychological resilience. It's often more about enduring a specific stressor rather than general robustness.
Usage: Use 耐性 when talking about specific forms of resistance like drug resistance, heat tolerance, or psychological endurance against a particular challenge.
Example: 「この細菌は抗生物質に対する耐性を持っている。」(Kono saikin wa kōseibusshitsu ni taisuru taisei o motte iru. - This bacterium has resistance to antibiotics.) vs. 「風邪に対する抵抗力をつけたい。」(Kaze ni taisuru teikōryoku o tsuketai. - I want to build resistance against colds.) - 強さ (tsuyosa)
- Comparison: 強さ simply means 'strength' or 'power' and is a very general term. It can apply to physical strength, mental strength, or even the strength of materials. 抵抗力 is a specific type of strength related to withstanding harm or resistance.
Usage: Use 強さ for general discussions of strength. Use 抵抗力 for the specific context of resisting illness or hardship.
Example: 「彼の精神的な強さは尊敬に値する。」(Kare no seishinteki na tsuyosa wa sonkei ni atai suru. - His mental strength is admirable.) vs. 「冬に向けて、体の抵抗力を高めましょう。」(Fuyu ni mukete, karada no teikōryoku o takamemashō. - Let's increase our body's resistance towards winter.) - 粘り強さ (nebarizuyosa)
- Comparison: 粘り強さ means persistence, tenacity, or grit. It's about continuing to try despite difficulties, rather than the inherent ability to withstand.
Usage: Use 粘り強さ when describing someone's determination to keep going. Use 抵抗力 for the ability to endure or resist.
Example: 「目標達成のためには、粘り強さが必要です。」(Mokuhyō tassei no tame ni wa, nebarizuyosa ga hitsuyō desu. - Persistence is necessary to achieve goals.) vs. 「病気から回復するには、十分な抵抗力が必要だ。」(Byōki kara kaifuku suru ni wa, jūbun na teikōryoku ga hitsuyō da. - Sufficient resistance is needed to recover from illness.)
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The kanji 力 (chikara/ryoku) is one of the most fundamental kanji, appearing in countless words related to power, strength, and ability. Its presence in 抵抗力 emphasizes the active and inherent nature of resistance.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing it as a single long word without clear syllable breaks.
- Incorrect stress placement, which can alter the meaning or sound unnatural.
- Confusing the 'r' sound, making it too harsh or too soft.
Difficulty Rating
CEFR B1. While the concept is straightforward, understanding its nuances in various contexts (biological, psychological, societal) requires more advanced vocabulary and comprehension skills. Recognizing the difference between 抵抗力 and 免疫力 is key.
CEFR B1. Using 抵抗力 correctly in sentences requires understanding its grammatical function and appropriate collocations. Differentiating it from similar words is also important for accurate expression.
CEFR B1. Learners should be able to use 抵抗力 in common phrases related to health and well-being. Advanced usage in abstract contexts might be challenging.
CEFR B1. Recognizing 抵抗力 in spoken Japanese, especially in health-related discussions or general advice, is achievable. Distinguishing it from similar-sounding or related terms might require careful listening.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Using が (ga) as a subject marker for nouns indicating states or abilities.
子供の抵抗力がまだ弱いです。 (Kodomo no teikōryoku ga mada yowai desu.) Children's resistance is still weak.
Using を (o) as a direct object marker for verbs like 高める (takameru - to raise) or つける (tsukeru - to attach/gain).
健康的な食事は抵抗力を高めます。 (Kenkōteki na shokuji wa teikōryoku o takamemasu.) A healthy diet raises resistance.
Using に (ni) to indicate the target or object of resistance.
病原体に対する抵抗力。 (Byōgentai ni taisuru teikōryoku.) Resistance against pathogens.
Using 〜やすい (yasui - easy to) and 〜にくい (nikui - difficult to) with verbs to describe susceptibility or resistance.
疲れると抵抗力が落ちやすくなります。 (Tsukareru to teikōryoku ga ochiyasuku narimasu.) When tired, resistance becomes easy to drop.
Using 〜こと (koto) to nominalize verbs or clauses when talking about the act of gaining resistance.
抵抗力をつけることは大切です。 (Teikōryoku o tsukeru koto wa taisetsu desu.) Building resistance is important.
Examples by Level
元気です。
I am well.
風邪をひきました。
I caught a cold.
体は丈夫です。
My body is strong.
病気になりたくないです。
I don't want to get sick.
たくさん食べます。
I eat a lot.
よく寝ます。
I sleep well.
運動はいいです。
Exercise is good.
健康になりたいです。
I want to be healthy.
この薬は抵抗力をつけます。
This medicine builds resistance.
Uses the noun 抵抗力 as the object.
子供は抵抗力が弱い。
Children have weak resistance.
Uses 抵抗力 as the subject, modified by 弱い.
抵抗力を高めたいです。
I want to increase my resistance.
Uses 抵抗力 as the object of 高めたい.
十分な睡眠をとってください。
Please get enough sleep.
Related to improving resistance.
野菜をたくさん食べましょう。
Let's eat lots of vegetables.
Often recommended for boosting resistance.
運動は体にいいです。
Exercise is good for the body.
Contributes to overall resistance.
風邪をひかないように気をつけてください。
Please be careful not to catch a cold.
Implies a desire for good resistance.
健康的な生活を送っています。
I am living a healthy life.
Leads to good resistance.
冬になると、抵抗力が落ちやすい。
When winter comes, resistance tends to drop easily.
Uses 抵抗力 as the subject with a tendency marker.
このサプリメントは抵抗力をサポートします。
This supplement supports resistance.
Uses 抵抗力 as the direct object of サポートします.
十分な休養が抵抗力を回復させる。
Sufficient rest restores resistance.
Uses 抵抗力 as the object of 回復させる.
ストレスは抵抗力に悪影響を与える。
Stress negatively affects resistance.
Uses 抵抗力 as the object of 悪影響を与える.
免疫力を高めるには、バランスの取れた食事が不可欠だ。
To increase immunity, a balanced diet is essential.
Related to 抵抗力, but specifically 免疫力.
彼は風邪をひきにくい体質だ。
He has a constitution that doesn't catch colds easily.
Implies good 抵抗力.
子供の抵抗力がつくまで、外出は控えましょう。
Let's refrain from going out until the child's resistance develops.
Uses 抵抗力 as the object of つく.
規則正しい生活が抵抗力を維持する鍵となる。
A regular lifestyle is the key to maintaining resistance.
Uses 抵抗力 as the object of 維持する.
現代社会では、精神的な抵抗力を養うことがますます重要になっています。
In modern society, cultivating mental resistance is becoming increasingly important.
Uses 抵抗力 metaphorically for mental resilience.
この地域は、自然災害に対する抵抗力が低いと指摘されている。
This region is pointed out to have low resistance to natural disasters.
Uses 抵抗力 in a societal/geographical context.
過度な抗生物質の乱用は、細菌の薬剤耐性を高める恐れがある。
The overuse of antibiotics carries the risk of increasing bacteria's drug resistance.
Uses 薬剤耐性 (yakuzai taisei - drug resistance), related to the concept but a different word.
彼女は逆境に立ち向かう強い抵抗力を持っている。
She possesses strong resistance to face adversity.
Uses 抵抗力 to describe personal fortitude.
長期間にわたる感染症の流行は、公衆衛生システムの抵抗力を試す。
The prolonged epidemic of infectious diseases tests the resistance of public health systems.
Uses 抵抗力 in the context of systemic resilience.
健康的な食生活と適度な運動は、免疫力だけでなく、全身の抵抗力を向上させる。
A healthy diet and moderate exercise improve not only immunity but also the resistance of the entire body.
Connects diet/exercise to both 免疫力 and 抵抗力.
この植物は、乾燥や病害に対する抵抗力が高い。
This plant has high resistance to drought and diseases.
Applies 抵抗力 to plants.
社会全体のレジリエンス（抵抗力）を高めるための政策が議論されている。
Policies to enhance the resilience (resistance) of society as a whole are being discussed.
Uses 抵抗力 with the English loanword 'resilience' for clarity.
現代の医療技術の進歩は、感染症に対する人間の抵抗力を飛躍的に向上させた。
Advances in modern medical technology have dramatically improved human resistance to infectious diseases.
Sophisticated use of 抵抗力 in a medical advancement context.
環境汚染物質に対する生物の抵抗力を評価することは、生態系の健全性を理解する上で不可欠である。
Evaluating the resistance of organisms to environmental pollutants is essential for understanding ecosystem health.
Academic and scientific application of 抵抗力.
経済危機に対する国家の抵抗力は、その財政政策の柔軟性と多様性にかかっている。
A nation's resistance to economic crises depends on the flexibility and diversity of its fiscal policies.
Abstract application of 抵抗力 to national economics.
個人の心理的抵抗力は、幼少期の経験や遺伝的要因、そして社会的なサポートシステムによって形成される多因子的なものである。
An individual's psychological resistance is a multifactorial construct shaped by early childhood experiences, genetic factors, and social support systems.
Detailed and nuanced description of psychological 抵抗力.
パンデミック下における医療インフラの抵抗力は、迅速かつ効果的な対応能力に直結する。
The resistance of healthcare infrastructure during a pandemic directly correlates with its capacity for rapid and effective response.
Focuses on systemic resistance in crisis.
気候変動への適応策は、自然生態系が直面する新たなストレス要因に対する抵抗力を強化することを目的としている。
Adaptation measures for climate change aim to strengthen the resistance of natural ecosystems to new stress factors they face.
Connects 抵抗力 to environmental challenges.
技術革新のスピードは、既存の産業構造が変化の圧力に対して持つ抵抗力を試すことになる。
The pace of technological innovation tests the resistance that existing industrial structures possess against the pressure of change.
Metaphorical use in a business/innovation context.
長年の研究により、特定の遺伝子変異が感染症に対する抵抗力を著しく高めることが明らかになった。
Years of research have revealed that specific genetic mutations significantly enhance resistance to infectious diseases.
Focuses on genetic basis of resistance.
進化論的観点から見ると、生物の抵抗力は、環境からの選択圧に対する適応の結果として現れる。
From an evolutionary perspective, the resistance of organisms appears as a result of adaptation to selective pressures from the environment.
Highly academic and theoretical use of 抵抗力.
グローバル化が進む現代において、国家の経済的抵抗力は、国際的な金融システムの安定性と相互依存関係によって左右される複雑な様相を呈している。
In the era of advancing globalization, a nation's economic resistance presents a complex aspect influenced by the stability of international financial systems and interdependence.
Advanced analysis of economic resistance.
精神医学における抵抗力の概念は、単なるストレス耐性にとどまらず、逆境を乗り越え、さらにはそれを成長の糧とする能動的なプロセスをも内包する。
The concept of resistance in psychiatry extends beyond mere stress tolerance to encompass an active process of overcoming adversity and even utilizing it for growth.
Deep dive into the psychological construct of resistance.
パンデミック収束後、公衆衛生システムが直面する課題は、過去の経験から得られた教訓を活かし、将来の未知なる脅威に対する抵抗力をいかに持続的に強化していくかという点に集約される。
The challenge facing public health systems after a pandemic subsides is summarized by how to continuously strengthen resistance to future unknown threats, leveraging lessons learned from past experiences.
Focuses on long-term systemic resistance and preparedness.
バイオテクノロジーの進展は、病原体側の進化による抵抗力の獲得という軍拡競争に拍車をかけている側面も否定できない。
It cannot be denied that advances in biotechnology are accelerating an arms race where pathogens acquire resistance through evolution.
Discusses the dynamic interplay between pathogen evolution and resistance.
持続可能な社会構築のためには、環境破壊や資源枯渇といった複合的な危機に対する地域社会の抵抗力を、技術的側面だけでなく、社会的・文化的側面からも包括的に高める必要がある。
For the construction of a sustainable society, it is necessary to comprehensively enhance the resistance of local communities to complex crises such as environmental destruction and resource depletion, not only from a technological perspective but also from social and cultural aspects.
Holistic approach to societal resistance.
情報化社会におけるフェイクニュースやプロパガンダに対する市民の批判的思考力、すなわち情報抵抗力は、民主主義の健全性を維持するための基盤となる。
In an information-driven society, citizens' critical thinking skills against fake news and propaganda, namely information resistance, become the foundation for maintaining the health of democracy.
Introduces the concept of 'information resistance'.
個体群レベルでの薬剤抵抗性の出現は、進化生物学における最も劇的な例証の一つであり、医療現場における新たな課題を常に提示し続けている。
The emergence of drug resistance at the population level is one of the most dramatic exemplifications in evolutionary biology, continuously presenting new challenges in the medical field.
Connects resistance to evolutionary biology and medical practice.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To build up resistance; to increase one's ability to fight off illness or withstand hardship.
毎日ビタミンCを摂って、抵抗力をつけましょう。 (Mainichi bitamin C o totte, teikōryoku o tsukemashō.) Let's take vitamin C every day to build up our resistance.
— To enhance resistance; to make oneself or something more resistant.
十分な睡眠は、体の抵抗力を高めるのに不可欠です。 (Jūbun na suimin wa, karada no teikōryoku o takameru no ni fukaketsu desu.) Sufficient sleep is essential for enhancing the body's resistance.
— Resistance drops; one becomes more susceptible to illness or challenges.
季節の変わり目は、抵抗力が落ちやすい時期です。 (Kisetsu no kawarime wa, teikōryoku ga ochiyasui jiki desu.) The change of seasons is a time when resistance tends to drop easily.
— To have resistance; to be resistant to something.
この植物は病気に対して抵抗力がある。 (Kono shokubutsu wa byōki ni taishite teikōryoku ga aru.) This plant has resistance to diseases.
— To lack resistance; to be susceptible.
彼はアレルギーに抵抗力がないようだ。 (Kare wa arerugī ni teikōryoku ga nai yō da.) He seems to lack resistance to allergies.
— About resistance; regarding resistance.
抵抗力についてもっと学びたいです。 (Teikōryoku ni tsuite motto manabitai desu.) I want to learn more about resistance.
— Resistance increases.
適度な運動は、抵抗力が増すのに役立ちます。 (Tekido na undō wa, teikōryoku ga masu no ni yakudachimasu.) Moderate exercise helps to increase resistance.
— Resistance declines; resistance decreases.
過労は抵抗力の低下を招く。 (Karō wa teikōryoku no teika o maneku.) Overwork leads to a decline in resistance.
— To affect resistance; to have an impact on resistance.
不規則な生活は、抵抗力に悪影響を与える可能性があります。 (Fukisoku na seikatsu wa, teikōryoku ni akueikyō o ataeru kanōsei ga arimasu.) An irregular lifestyle can negatively affect resistance.
— What is resistance? (Used when asking for a definition or explanation.)
抵抗力とは何ですか？ (Teikōryoku to wa nan desu ka?) What is resistance?
Often Confused With
While both relate to defense, 免疫力 is specifically about the immune system's function, whereas 抵抗力 is broader, encompassing overall resilience against various challenges.
体力 refers to physical strength and stamina, related to exertion, not directly to fighting illness or hardship, although they are often correlated.
耐性 is usually used for specific forms of resistance, like drug resistance or tolerance to a particular environmental factor, rather than general robustness.
Idioms & Expressions
— Resistance that doesn't lose to colds; strong immunity to colds.
冬に向けて、風邪に負けない抵抗力をつけたい。 (Fuyu ni mukete, kaze ni makenai teikōryoku o tsuketai.) I want to build resistance against colds for winter.
Colloquial/Health— Resistance that knows no illness; being rarely sick.
彼女は子供の頃から病気知らずの抵抗力があった。 (Kanojo wa kodomo no koro kara byōki shirazu no teikōryoku ga atta.) She had a resistance that never got sick since she was a child.
Colloquial/Health— Resistance that doesn't turn against the enemy (used metaphorically, implying internal harmony or balance).
心身のバランスを保つことで、敵に回さない抵抗力を維持できる。 (Shinshin no baransu o tamotsu koto de, teki ni mawasanai teikōryoku o iji dekiru.) By maintaining a balance of mind and body, you can maintain resistance that doesn't turn against itself.
Figurative/Psychology— Ironclad resistance; very strong and impenetrable resistance.
彼の論点には鉄壁の抵抗力があった。 (Kare no ronten ni wa teppeki no teikōryoku ga atta.) His argument had ironclad resistance.
Figurative/Debate— Resistance that overcomes the demon of illness; strong fighting spirit against disease.
患者は病魔に打ち勝つ抵抗力を発揮した。 (Kanja wa byōma ni uchikatsu teikōryoku o hakki shita.) The patient displayed resistance that overcame the demon of illness.
Figurative/Medical— Strong resistance to external influences.
この素材は外部からの影響に強い抵抗力を持つ。 (Kono sozai wa gaibu kara no eikyō ni tsuyoi teikōryoku o motsu.) This material possesses strong resistance to external influences.
Technical/Material Science— Resistance that does not yield to stress; resilience.
日頃からストレスに屈しない抵抗力を養うことが大切だ。 (Higoro kara sutoresu ni kushinai teikōryoku o yashinau koto ga taisetsu da.) It is important to cultivate resistance that does not yield to stress on a daily basis.
Psychology/Well-being— Resistance against infectious diseases.
ワクチン接種は感染症に対する抵抗力を高める効果がある。 (Wakuchin sesshu wa kansenshō ni taisuru teikōryoku o takameru kōka ga aru.) Vaccination has the effect of increasing resistance to infectious diseases.
Medical— Resistance to environmental changes.
この生物は環境変化への抵抗力が高い。 (Kono seibutsu wa kankyō henka e no teikōryoku ga takai.) This organism has high resistance to environmental changes.
Biology/Ecology— Resistance of society against crises.
災害への社会の抵抗力を強化する政策が求められている。 (Saigai e no shakai no teikōryoku o kyōka suru seisaku ga motomerarete iru.) Policies to strengthen society's resistance to disasters are being called for.
Sociology/PolicyEasily Confused
Both relate to the body's ability to fight off harm and are often discussed together.
免疫力 specifically refers to the immune system's biological defenses (antibodies, white blood cells). 抵抗力 is a broader concept of general resilience, including the immune system but also encompassing the body's overall ability to withstand illness, stress, and hardship.
ワクチンは免疫力を高めますが、健康的な生活は全身の抵抗力をつけます。 (Wakuchin wa men'ekiryoku o takamemasu ga, kenkōteki na seikatsu wa zenshin no teikōryoku o tsukemasu.) Vaccines boost immunity, but a healthy lifestyle builds overall resistance.
Good physical condition (体力) often leads to better resistance (抵抗力), so they are frequently associated.
体力 refers to physical strength, stamina, and endurance for physical activity. 抵抗力 is the ability to withstand disease, damage, or other adverse conditions. You can have high 体力 but still be susceptible to certain illnesses if your 抵抗力 is low.
彼は体力が十分にあるが、最近の風邪への抵抗力はあまりないようだ。 (Kare wa tairyoku ga jūbun ni aru ga, saikin no kaze e no teikōryoku wa amari nai yō da.) He has plenty of stamina, but seems to have little resistance to recent colds.
Both words translate to 'resistance' in certain contexts.
耐性 usually refers to specific resistance to a particular factor, such as drug resistance in bacteria (薬剤耐性 - yakuzai taisei) or heat tolerance. 抵抗力 is a more general term for overall resistance or immunity, especially concerning health and well-being.
この細菌は抗生物質への耐性を持っているため、治療が難しい。 (Kono saikin wa kōseibusshitsu e no taisei o motte iru tame, chiryō ga muzukashii.) This bacterium has resistance to antibiotics, making treatment difficult. 一方、冬の寒さへの抵抗力をつけたい。 (Ippō, fuyu no samusa e no teikōryoku o tsuketai.) On the other hand, I want to build resistance to the cold of winter.
'Strength' is a broad concept that can encompass resistance.
強さ is a general term for strength, applicable to physical, mental, or material properties. 抵抗力 is a specific type of strength related to withstanding harm, illness, or pressure. You might say someone has 'mental strength' (精神的な強さ - seishinteki na tsuyosa), but if you mean their ability to cope with psychological stress, you'd use 'mental resistance' (精神的な抵抗力 - seishinteki na teikōryoku).
彼の打たれ強さは、彼の精神的な強さの表れだ。 (Kare no utare tsuyosa wa, kare no seishinteki na tsuyosa no araware da.) His resilience (toughness) is a manifestation of his mental strength.
Both terms imply resilience and the ability to withstand negative impacts.
打たれ強さ literally means 'toughness to be hit' and is often used metaphorically for resilience against criticism, setbacks, or emotional blows. 抵抗力 is more about inherent defense mechanisms against illness or external forces, though it can also be used metaphorically for resilience.
彼女は批判に打たれ強いので、あまり気にしない。 (Kanojo wa hihan ni utare tsuyoi node, amari ki ni shinai.) She is resilient to criticism, so she doesn't mind it much. 一方、彼女は病気への抵抗力が高い。 (Ippō, kanojo wa byōki e no teikōryoku ga takai.) On the other hand, her resistance to illness is high.
Sentence Patterns
Noun + は + 抵抗力 + が + 弱い/強い。
子供の抵抗力はまだ弱いです。 (Kodomo no teikōryoku wa mada yowai desu.) Children's resistance is still weak.
〜ために、抵抗力をつける。
風邪をひかないために、抵抗力をつけたいです。 (Kaze o hikanai tame ni, teikōryoku o tsuketai desu.) I want to build resistance so I don't catch a cold.
Noun + は + 抵抗力 + を + 高める。
バランスの取れた食事は抵抗力を高めます。 (Baransu no toreta shokuji wa teikōryoku o takamemasu.) A balanced diet enhances resistance.
Noun + と + 抵抗力 + が + 落ちる。
疲れると抵抗力が落ちます。 (Tsukareru to teikōryoku ga ochimasu.) When you get tired, resistance drops.
Noun + は + 抵抗力 + に + 影響する。
ストレスは抵抗力に影響します。 (Sutoresu wa teikōryoku ni eikyō shimasu.) Stress affects resistance.
Noun + は + [特定の対象] + に対する + 抵抗力 + が + ある/ない。
この品種は病害に対する抵抗力がある。 (Kono hinshu wa byōgai ni taisuru teikōryoku ga aru.) This variety has resistance to diseases.
Noun + の + 精神的/物理的 + 抵抗力。
彼女の精神的抵抗力は強い。 (Kanojo no seishinteki teikōryoku wa tsuyoi.) Her mental resistance is strong.
Noun + は + [抽象的な状況] + における + 抵抗力 + を + 示す/試す。
このシステムは、サイバー攻撃における抵抗力を試す。 (Kono shisutemu wa, saibā kōgeki ni okeru teikōryoku o tamesu.) This system tests resistance in cyber attacks.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
High in contexts of health, well-being, and resilience.
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Confusing 抵抗力 with 免疫力.
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Use 免疫力 for specific immune system functions and 抵抗力 for general resilience and ability to withstand illness or hardship.
While related, 抵抗力 is broader. Think of 免疫力 as the specialized forces and 抵抗力 as the overall national defense. For example, 'vaccines boost immunity' (免疫力) but 'sleep boosts resistance' (抵抗力).
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Using 抵抗力 for physical strength (stamina).
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Use 体力 (tairyoku) for stamina and physical endurance, and 抵抗力 for the ability to withstand illness or damage.
You can have great stamina (体力) but still be prone to colds if your resistance (抵抗力) is low. They are related but distinct concepts.
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Forgetting particles like が or を.
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Use appropriate particles. For example, 'Resistance drops' is 抵抗力が落ちる (teikōryoku ga ochiru), and 'increase resistance' is 抵抗力を高める (teikōryoku o takameru).
Incorrect particle usage makes sentences unnatural or grammatically incorrect. 抵抗力 is often the subject (with が) when describing its state or the object (with を) when it's acted upon.
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Overusing 抵抗力 in abstract contexts where other words are more precise.
→
Consider using words like 強さ (tsuyosa - strength), 粘り強さ (nebarizuyosa - persistence), or 耐性 (taisei - tolerance) when the context is very specific or metaphorical.
While 抵抗力 can be used metaphorically for mental or societal resilience, terms like 'mental strength' or 'persistence' might be more fitting depending on the exact nuance you want to convey.
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Pronouncing it incorrectly, especially with incorrect stress.
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Pronounce it as 'te-i-KO-U-RYO-KU', with stress on 'ko' and 'ryo'.
Incorrect stress can make the word sound unfamiliar or even change its perceived meaning. Practicing the pronunciation helps with both speaking and listening comprehension.
Tips
Distinguish from 免疫力
Remember that 抵抗力 is broader than 免疫力. 免疫力 is specifically about the immune system's fight against pathogens, while 抵抗力 includes that and also general resilience against stress, fatigue, and other challenges. Think of 免疫力 as the army and 抵抗力 as the nation's overall defense capability.
Particle Usage
Pay attention to the particles used with 抵抗力. It's often the subject (using が) when describing a state (e.g., 'resistance is weak'), or the object (using を) when talking about increasing or decreasing it (e.g., 'increase resistance').
Health and Lifestyle
You'll frequently hear 抵抗力 in discussions about health. Understanding common phrases like 抵抗力をつける (build resistance) and 抵抗力を高める (increase resistance) will be very useful for everyday conversations and understanding health advice.
Metaphorical Use
Don't be surprised to hear 抵抗力 used metaphorically for mental or societal resilience. While it's common, ensure you understand the context to differentiate it from literal biological resistance.
Syllable Stress
Practice saying 'te-i-KO-U-RYO-KU' to get the stress pattern right. The emphasis on 'ko' and 'ryo' makes it sound natural.
Visual Aid
Imagine a shield (抵抗) powered by a strong arm (力) protecting you from germs. This visual can help solidify the meaning of 抵抗力 as 'resistance power'.
Related Terms
Learn related words like 免疫力 (immunity), 体力 (stamina), and 耐性 (tolerance) to understand the subtle differences and choose the most appropriate word for your context.
Sentence Building
Try creating your own sentences using 抵抗力. Start with simple structures like 'My resistance is weak' or 'I want to build resistance', and gradually move to more complex sentences.
Health Consciousness
Japanese culture places a high value on health. Understanding 抵抗力 is key to grasping many discussions about well-being, preventive medicine, and the importance of a balanced lifestyle.
Avoid Overgeneralization
While 抵抗力 can be used metaphorically, be cautious. In technical or scientific fields, specific terms like 'resistance to X' might be preferred over the general 抵抗力.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a tiny warrior inside your body, wearing a shield (抵抗) and wielding a sword (力). This warrior fights off germs to protect you. So, 抵抗力 is your 'resistance warrior power'.
Visual Association
Picture a strong, healthy person with a glowing aura or a shield around them, actively warding off dark, shadowy figures representing diseases or challenges. The shield can be labeled with 抵抗 and the person's strength with 力.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to explain the concept of 抵抗力 to someone using only simple English words, focusing on the 'fighting off' aspect. Then, try to describe a situation where someone's 抵抗力 was tested, like recovering from a cold or overcoming a difficult challenge.
Word Origin
The word 抵抗力 is a compound word formed from two kanji: 抵抗 (teikō) meaning 'resistance' or 'opposition', and 力 (ryoku/chikara) meaning 'power' or 'strength'. This literal combination directly translates to 'resistance power'.
Original meaning: The 'power to resist'.
Sino-Japanese (derived from Chinese characters)Cultural Context
When discussing health, it's generally positive to talk about strengthening 抵抗力. However, avoid making assumptions about individuals' health status or implying that a lack of 抵抗力 is a personal failing. Focus on general advice and encouragement.
In English, we often use 'immunity' for biological resistance and 'resilience' for the ability to bounce back from hardship. 抵抗力 covers both aspects, making it a versatile term.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Discussing personal health and well-being.
- 抵抗力をつけたいです。
- 抵抗力が落ちているようです。
- 健康的な生活で抵抗力を高める。
- 風邪に負けない抵抗力
Medical advice and explanations.
- 抵抗力を高める薬
- 抵抗力に影響する要因
- 抵抗力の低下
- 病原体への抵抗力
Talking about children's health.
- 子供の抵抗力
- 抵抗力がつくまで待つ
- 抵抗力をつける食事
Psychological resilience and stress management.
- 精神的な抵抗力
- ストレスへの抵抗力
- 逆境に立ち向かう抵抗力
General discussions about nature and biology.
- 植物の抵抗力
- 環境変化への抵抗力
- 病気に対する抵抗力
Conversation Starters
"最近、寒くなってきましたが、抵抗力をつけるために何かしていますか？"
"健康のために、一番大切だと思うことは何ですか？抵抗力も関係ありますか？"
"子供の頃、風邪をひきやすかったですか？それとも抵抗力がありましたか？"
"ストレスを感じた時、どうやって自分の精神的な抵抗力を保っていますか？"
"もし病気になったら、早く回復するために抵抗力を高めるために何をするのが一番効果的だと思いますか？"
Journal Prompts
今日、あなたの抵抗力を高めるためにどんなことをしましたか？具体的に書き出してみましょう。
最近、抵抗力が落ちていると感じた経験はありますか？その時の状況や原因、そしてどう対処したかを詳しく書いてください。
あなたの周りの人（家族、友人など）で、特に抵抗力が強いと感じる人はいますか？その人のどんな点がそう感じさせますか？
もし、あなたに抵抗力を数値化できるとしたら、今のあなたの抵抗力は何点くらいだと思いますか？その理由も添えてください。
将来、病気や困難に立ち向かうために、どのように自分の抵抗力を維持・向上させていきたいか、目標を立ててみましょう。
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsWhile both relate to the body's defenses, 免疫力 specifically refers to the immune system's ability to fight off diseases using antibodies and immune cells. 抵抗力 is a broader term that includes the immune system but also encompasses general resilience, the body's overall ability to withstand illness, stress, and hardship. For example, eating well and sleeping enough contribute to overall 抵抗力, while vaccination directly enhances 免疫力.
Increasing your 抵抗力 generally involves a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, getting sufficient sleep, regular moderate exercise, managing stress effectively, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. These habits support both your immune system and your body's general ability to cope with challenges.
Yes, 抵抗力 can be used metaphorically. For example, you might talk about a community's 'resistance to economic downturns' (経済恐慌への抵抗力 - keizai kyōkō e no teikōryoku) or an individual's 'mental resistance' (精神的な抵抗力 - seishinteki na teikōryoku) to stress. However, in these abstract contexts, other words like resilience, strength, or endurance might also be suitable depending on the nuance.
No, 抵抗力 is generally treated as an uncountable noun, referring to a quality or capacity rather than a discrete item. You don't have 'one resistance' or 'two resistances'.
The most common adjectives are 強い (tsuyoi - strong) and 弱い (yowai - weak). You'll often hear 強い抵抗力 (strong resistance) or 弱い抵抗力 (weak resistance). Other adjectives might describe the context, like 病気への抵抗力 (resistance to illness) or ストレスへの抵抗力 (resistance to stress).
In formal settings, such as medical journals, academic research, or official health advisories, 抵抗力 is used precisely to describe the capacity of an organism or system to withstand detrimental influences. For instance, in scientific research, one might discuss factors influencing 'pathogen resistance' (病原体への抵抗力 - byōgentai e no teikōryoku).
No, 抵抗力 is not the same as stamina. Stamina, often translated as 体力 (tairyoku) or 持久力 (jikyūryoku), refers to the ability to sustain prolonged physical effort. 抵抗力 is about the ability to withstand or fight off harm, disease, or hardship.
A common mistake is confusing it with 免疫力 (men'ekiryoku) or 体力 (tairyoku). Learners might also incorrectly use it in contexts where a more specific word like 耐性 (taisei) for drug resistance is needed, or forget to use appropriate particles like が (ga) or を (o) in sentences.
It is pronounced 'teh-ee-koh-ryo-koo' (ていこうりょく). The stress falls on the second syllable 'ko' and the fourth syllable 'ryo'.
Certainly. For example, 'This material has high resistance to heat.' would be 'この素材は熱への抵抗力が高い。' (Kono sozai wa netsu e no teikōryoku ga takai.) Here, 抵抗力 refers to the material's ability to withstand heat.
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Summary
抵抗力 (teikōryoku) is a crucial concept for understanding health and resilience in Japanese. It refers to the body's ability to fight off illness or an individual's capacity to withstand difficulties. For example, maintaining good 抵抗力 is often linked to a healthy lifestyle, as in 「健康的な生活は抵抗力を高めます。」(Kenkōteki na seikatsu wa teikōryoku o takamemasu - A healthy life enhances resistance.)
- 抵抗力 (teikōryoku) means resistance or immunity.
- It's used for health, resilience, and enduring challenges.
- Strong 抵抗力 means you get sick less often.
- It applies to both physical and mental strength against hardship.
Distinguish from 免疫力
Remember that 抵抗力 is broader than 免疫力. 免疫力 is specifically about the immune system's fight against pathogens, while 抵抗力 includes that and also general resilience against stress, fatigue, and other challenges. Think of 免疫力 as the army and 抵抗力 as the nation's overall defense capability.
Particle Usage
Pay attention to the particles used with 抵抗力. It's often the subject (using が) when describing a state (e.g., 'resistance is weak'), or the object (using を) when talking about increasing or decreasing it (e.g., 'increase resistance').
Health and Lifestyle
You'll frequently hear 抵抗力 in discussions about health. Understanding common phrases like 抵抗力をつける (build resistance) and 抵抗力を高める (increase resistance) will be very useful for everyday conversations and understanding health advice.
Metaphorical Use
Don't be surprised to hear 抵抗力 used metaphorically for mental or societal resilience. While it's common, ensure you understand the context to differentiate it from literal biological resistance.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More health words
しばらく
B1For a while, for some time.
異変がある
B1To have an unusual change or abnormality.
異常な
B1Abnormal; unusual; irregular.
擦り傷
B1Scratch, graze, abrasion.
吸収する
B1To absorb.
禁酒
B1Abstinence from alcohol; the act of refraining from alcohol.
痛む
A2to hurt; to ache
鍼灸
B1Acupuncture and moxibustion; traditional Chinese medicine treatments.
急性的
B1Acute.
急性な
B1Acute
