TSUMUGU · TOCFL 1 (est.) · 字
力
ㄌㄧˋ · lì
noun — strength, force, power
字源 FORM — what the parts do
力形rendered bare — no claimed origin
The old graph carries two tellings: an arm flexed, the line of the sinew standing out — strength in the muscle; or a wooden plow, handle and blade that bites the soil — strength at work in the field. 力氣、能力、努力 all draw on it.
故事 STORY — a scene to remember it by
犁頭吃進土裡，肩膀往前一頂——壟溝開出來了。
The plowhead bites the soil; a shoulder drives forward — the furrow opens.
字源記憶法
意 · Meanings
(本義)力氣— physical strength常用
→能力、力量— ability, power to do
→努力、盡力— effort — strength spent
(本義) original meaning · → ⇒ each arrow = one more step of extension