yǒulì: 有力 - Powerful, Forceful, Strong, Compelling

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• Summary: “有力” (yǒulì) is a versatile Chinese adjective meaning “powerful,” “forceful,” or “strong.” It's used not just for physical strength, like a firm handshake, but more commonly to describe something as effective, compelling, or impactful. Whether you're presenting 有力 evidence (powerful evidence), making a 有力 argument (forceful argument), or implementing 有力 measures (strong measures), this word signifies a tangible and effective application of force or influence.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): yǒulì
• Part of Speech: Adjective
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: Having strength or force; powerful, strong, forceful, compelling.
• In a Nutshell: “有力” literally translates to “to have strength.” Think of it as describing something that carries a punch, either literally or figuratively. It’s the quality that makes an argument convincing, an action decisive, or a piece of evidence undeniable. It's less about a general state of being powerful and more about the specific, observable force something possesses.

• 有 (yǒu): This character means “to have,” “to possess,” or “there is.” Its ancient form is often depicted as a hand holding a piece of meat (月, a form of 肉 ròu), symbolizing possession or having something.
• 力 (lì): This character means “power,” “force,” or “strength.” The pictograph is thought to represent a plow or a muscular arm, both ancient symbols of physical strength and exertion.
• Combined Meaning: The combination is straightforward and logical: 有 (to have) + 力 (strength) = 有力 (to have strength/force). This literal meaning is extended to describe anything that demonstrates significant force, influence, or effectiveness.

While “有力” doesn't carry the same deep cultural weight as terms like `关系 (guānxi)`, it reflects a cultural appreciation for substance, directness, and efficacy. In Chinese discourse, whether in business, academia, or politics, an argument's value is often measured by its “有力” evidence (有力的证据). This highlights a pragmatic approach where claims must be backed by solid, impactful proof. A good comparison to a Western concept is the difference between “strong” and “compelling.” While “strong” can be a general descriptor, “有力” has the added connotation of being actively compelling or forceful. A “powerful idea” in English might be abstractly brilliant, but a “有力的观点 (yǒulì de guāndiǎn)” is a viewpoint that actively persuades and stands up to scrutiny due to its inherent force. It suggests that the power is not latent but is being applied effectively to achieve a result. This aligns with a value for practical outcomes over abstract theorizing in many areas of Chinese society.

“有力” is a common and useful word in both formal and informal contexts.

• Arguments, Debates, and Law: This is one of the most common uses. It describes evidence, reasons, or arguments as being strong and persuasive.
  • e.g., `有力的证据` (yǒulì de zhèngjù) - compelling evidence
  • e.g., `有力的论据` (yǒulì de lùnjù) - a strong argument/point
• Actions and Measures: It's frequently used to describe actions taken by individuals, companies, or the government as being strong, decisive, and effective.
  • e.g., `有力的措施` (yǒulì de cuòshī) - strong/effective measures
  • e.g., `有力的回击` (yǒulì de huíjī) - a powerful counter-attack
• Physical Force: It can describe physical actions that are done with strength.
  • e.g., `有力的握手` (yǒulì de wòshǒu) - a firm/strong handshake
  • e.g., `有力的一击` (yǒulì de yí jī) - a powerful blow
• Support and Contribution: It can describe support or help that is significant and makes a real difference.
  • e.g., `有力的支持` (yǒulì de zhīchí) - strong/powerful support

• Example 1:
  • 检方必须提供有力的证据才能定罪。
  • Pinyin: Jiǎnfāng bìxū tígōng yǒulì de zhèngjù cáinéng dìngzuì.
  • English: The prosecution must provide compelling evidence to secure a conviction.
  • Analysis: Here, “有力” means “compelling” or “solid.” It describes the quality of the evidence needed in a legal context.
• Example 2:
  • 面对谣言，公司做出了有力的回应。
  • Pinyin: Miànduì yáoyán, gōngsī zuòchūle yǒulì de huíyìng.
  • English: Facing the rumors, the company made a forceful response.
  • Analysis: This implies the company's response was not weak or vague, but strong, direct, and effective at refuting the rumors.
• Example 3:
  • 政府采取了有力的措施来保护环境。
  • Pinyin: Zhèngfǔ cǎiqǔle yǒulì de cuòshī lái bǎohù huánjìng.
  • English: The government has adopted strong measures to protect the environment.
  • Analysis: “有力” here suggests the measures are not just symbolic but are decisive and intended to have a real impact.
• Example 4:
  • 他给了我一个有力的拥抱。
  • Pinyin: Tā gěile wǒ yíge yǒulì de yōngbào.
  • English: He gave me a strong (or firm) hug.
  • Analysis: A straightforward physical use of the word, describing the force applied in the hug.
• Example 5:
  • 你的支持是我们成功的有力保障。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ de zhīchí shì wǒmen chénggōng de yǒulì bǎozhàng.
  • English: Your support is a powerful guarantee of our success.
  • Analysis: This highlights that the support isn't just nice to have; it's a key, forceful component ensuring success.
• Example 6:
  • 这篇文章是对现有理论的有力挑战。
  • Pinyin: Zhè piān wénzhāng shì duì xiànyǒu lǐlùn de yǒulì tiǎozhàn.
  • English: This article is a powerful challenge to existing theories.
  • Analysis: The challenge isn't weak; it's well-argued and forceful, posing a real threat to the established ideas.
• Example 7:
  • 我们需要一个有力的领导来带领团队走出困境。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen xūyào yíge yǒulì de lǐngdǎo lái dàilǐng tuánduì zǒuchū kùnjìng.
  • English: We need a strong leader to guide the team out of this difficult situation.
  • Analysis: “有力” here describes a leader who is decisive, effective, and can make things happen.
• Example 8:
  • 他的声音洪亮而有力，充满了自信。
  • Pinyin: Tā de shēngyīn hóngliàng ér yǒulì, chōngmǎnle zìxìn.
  • English: His voice was resonant and powerful, full of confidence.
  • Analysis: Describes the quality of a voice, implying it commands attention and conveys strength.
• Example 9:
  • 市场竞争中，价格是有力的武器。
  • Pinyin: Shìchǎng jìngzhēng zhōng, jiàgé shì yǒulì de wǔqì.
  • English: In market competition, price is a powerful weapon.
  • Analysis: A metaphorical use. Price is described as “powerful” because of its strong effect on consumer behavior.
• Example 10:
  • 媒体的有力推动让这个小众品牌为人所知。
  • Pinyin: Méitǐ de yǒulì tuīdòng ràng zhège xiǎozhòng pǐnpái wéi rén suǒ zhī.
  • English: The media's strong promotion made this niche brand well-known.
  • Analysis: The “push” or “promotion” (推动) from the media was effective and had a significant impact.

• `有力 (yǒulì)` vs. `强大 (qiángdà)`: This is a crucial distinction.
  • `有力` describes the application of force or the compelling quality of something specific. It answers “how forceful/effective is it?”. Use it for evidence, arguments, measures, handshakes, etc.
  • `强大 (qiángdà)` describes a general state of being mighty or powerful. It answers “how powerful is it overall?”. Use it for a country (`强大的国家`), an army (`强大的军队`), a company (`强大的公司`), or an abstract force (`强大的内心`, a strong heart/mind).
  • Incorrect: `这个国家很“有力”`。 (Incorrect). Correct: `这个国家很强大`。
  • Incorrect: `这是强大的证据`。 (Awkward/Incorrect). Correct: `这是有力的证据`。
• `有力 (yǒulì)` vs. `厉害 (lìhai)`:
  • `有力` is more formal and specific to force and effectiveness.
  • `厉害 (lìhai)` is more colloquial and broad. It can mean “awesome,” “fierce,” “intense,” or “severe.” You can say someone is `很厉害 (hěn lìhai)` to mean they are very skilled, but you wouldn't say `他很“有力”` unless you mean he is physically strong.
• Common Mistake: Do not use `有力` to describe a person's general skill or capability. To say “He is very capable,” you should use `他很有能力 (tā hěn yǒu nénglì)` or the colloquial `他很厉害 (tā hěn lìhai)`. Saying `他很“有力” (tā hěn yǒulì)` exclusively means “He is very strong (physically).”

• 无力 (wúlì) - The direct antonym of `有力`, meaning “powerless,” “feeble,” or “weak.”
• 力量 (lìliàng) - The noun form, meaning “strength,” “power,” or “force.” `有力` is the adjective describing something that *has* `力量`.
• 强大 (qiángdà) - Describes a general state of being mighty (e.g., a country, an army), whereas `有力` describes a specific, forceful application (e.g., evidence, a punch).
• 有效 (yǒuxiào) - Means “effective.” This is a close synonym. A `有力` measure is almost always an `有效` one. `有效` focuses on the successful result, while `有力` focuses more on the strength of the action that causes the result.
• 能力 (nénglì) - Means “ability” or “capability.” This refers to a person's potential or skill set, while `有力` refers to applied force.
• 说服力 (shuōfúlì) - A noun meaning “persuasiveness.” A `有力` argument has strong `说服力`.
• 强壮 (qiángzhuàng) - Means “strong” or “sturdy,” used specifically to describe a healthy and robust physique. It's about the body's condition, while `有力` can describe a single action's force.
• 给力 (gěilì) - A popular internet slang term meaning “awesome,” “cool,” or “supportive.” While it literally means “to give power,” it's much more informal and trendy than `有力`.