行動力（こうどうりょく、koudoうryoku）
- ability to act

The Japanese word 行動力 (こうどうりょく, kōdōryoku) means “action-taking ability,” "initiative," "drive," or "the power to take action." It refers to the ability to initiate actions, to be proactive, and to put ideas into practice. It implies not just having thoughts or plans, but the capacity to actually *do* things. It's about translating intentions into concrete behaviors and achieving results through action. The focus is on the *doing* aspect, the ability to overcome inertia and implement a plan, make a decision and follow through. It's a highly valued quality in Japanese society and many other cultures. People with strong 行動力 are often seen as dynamic, decisive, and capable. It encompasses the speed and effectiveness with which one can get things done.

⚫︎ 彼は行動力があるから、すぐにプロジェクトを成功させた。 Translation: He has initiative, so he quickly made the project a success. ⚫︎ 彼女の行動力は、新しいビジネスを始める原動力となった。 Translation: Her drive was the driving force behind starting a new business. ⚫︎ 計画を立てるだけでなく、行動力を持って実行することが重要です。 Translation: It is important not only to make plans, but also to take action.

You can use 行動力 when discussing someone's ability to act, their willingness to get things done, or their tendency to take initiative. It's often used in discussions about work, business, personal development, and problem-solving. It's a positive attribute, so it's typically used to praise or describe someone in a favorable light. It is also a characteristic that one can aspire to improve. It's common in phrases that relate to problem-solving, like "how to build 行動力" or phrases that indicate admiration like, "Wow, he has a lot of 行動力."

行動力 is typically written in kanji and read as こうどうりょく in hiragana. There are no other common ways to write this word. The okurigana is standard, with no variations.

⚫︎ 実行力 (jikōryoku) - The power to execute/carry out. ⚫︎ 積極性 (sekkyōsei) - Proactiveness; initiative. ⚫︎ 推進力 (suishinryoku) - Driving force; momentum. ⚫︎ イニシアチブ (inishichibu) - Initiative (borrowed from English)

⚫︎ 消極性 (shōkyōsei) - Passivity; negativity. ⚫︎ 優柔不断 (yūjūfudan) - Indecisiveness. ⚫︎ 無気力 (mukiryoku) - Lack of motivation. ⚫︎ ためらい (tamerai) - Hesitation

彼は行動力があり、困難な状況でも諦めない。 ・Translation: He has the ability to take action and doesn't give up even in difficult situations. ・Explanation: This sentence describes someone who possesses 行動力 as someone who demonstrates resilience and perseverance when facing challenges.

行動力を養うために、小さなことから始めてみましょう。 ・Translation: Let's start with small things to cultivate initiative. ・Explanation: This sentence suggests that 行動力 can be developed and emphasizes the importance of taking initial steps to foster this quality.

The word 行動力 is a compound word formed from: ⚫︎ 行動 (kōdō) - action, conduct, behavior; which itself is made of 行(kō) - "to go, to act" and 動(dō) - "to move". ⚫︎ 力 (ryoku) - power, strength, ability. Therefore, 行動力 literally means "the power of action" or "the ability to act."