====== yǒulì: 有力 - Powerful, Forceful, Strong, Compelling ======
===== Quick Summary =====
  * **Keywords:** yǒulì, 有力, powerful in Chinese, strong evidence in Chinese, forceful argument Chinese, compelling reason Chinese, effective measures Chinese, yǒulì meaning, what does youli mean, Chinese word for powerful
  * **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.
===== Core Meaning =====
  * **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.
===== Character Breakdown =====
  * **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.
===== Cultural Context and Significance =====
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.
===== Practical Usage in Modern China =====
"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 Sentences =====
  * **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.
===== Nuances and Common Mistakes =====
  * **`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)."
===== Related Terms and Concepts =====
  * **[[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`.