パワー
Your name
Power
in Japanese
The default way to write Power in Japanese is パワー — a phonetic katakana spelling that captures the sound and signals, instantly to a Japanese reader, that the name comes from elsewhere. But katakana is only one of three answers Japanese gives to a foreign name.
Below, we show all three. First the official katakana. Then a set of meaning kanji chosen to express what Power actually means at the root — Power — strength, force, might, the ability to act or influence. Finally a set of ateji, the playful tradition where the kanji match the sound and tell their own small story underneath.
Katakana — Phonetic
How Power is most commonly written in Japanese — used on official documents, business cards, and signage.
Meaning Kanji — Etymology
"Power" means: Power — strength, force, might, the ability to act or influence. From Old French 'poeir' and Latin 'potere' meaning 'to be able'.
強志
Tsuyoshi
Together: 'strong will' — embodying power as inner resolve and unshakeable determination.
剛力
Goriki
Together: 'mighty strength' — a direct translation evoking raw, unbreakable physical power.
雄勢
Yūsei
Together: 'heroic momentum' — power as commanding presence and dynamic force.
Ateji — Sound + Meaning
Where the sound matches and the kanji tell their own small story. The Edo scholars and modern manga authors both played this game.
破和
Pawa
Together a cool paradox: 'breakthrough harmony' — the power that disrupts to create balance.
葉和
Pawa
A cute, nature-inspired reading: 'harmonious leaf' — soft power that grows quietly.
波羽
Pawa
A mystical pairing: 'wave-feather' — power that flows like water and soars like wings.
Not sure which form to use?
Katakana, meaning kanji, and ateji each belong to a different part of Japanese life — official paperwork, calligraphy and gifts, signatures and wordplay. Our full guide walks through when to reach for each one.
Read the guide: the three ways to write your name in Japanese →
Seven, drawn