説得力（せっとくりょく、seっtokuryoく）
- persuasiveness

The Japanese word [説得力] refers to the power, force, or capacity of persuasion. It describes how convincing, compelling, or believable a person's speech, argument, evidence, or actions are to others. When someone or something has [説得力]， it means they are able to effectively make people believe or agree with them.

Here are some specific examples of how [説得力] is used in daily life. ⚫︎彼のプレゼンには圧倒的な説得力があった。 Translation: His presentation had overwhelming persuasiveness. ⚫︎データに基づいた意見は説得力が増す。 Translation: Opinions based on data gain more persuasiveness.

This word is frequently used in business, academic, and everyday conversations when evaluating arguments, presentations, writing, or personal behavior. You can use it when praising someone for making a very convincing point, or when pointing out that an argument lacks convincing evidence. It is commonly combined with verbs like 持つ (to have), 欠ける (to lack), or 増す (to increase).

[説得力] is typically written using Kanji and Hiragana. The reading in Hiragana is せっとくりょく. It is not commonly written in Katakana. There are no variations in okurigana because it is a compound noun formed by multiple Kanji characters.

Common synonyms for [説得力] include 説得の度合い (degree of persuasion) and 真実味 (verisimilitude or plausibility). Words like 影響力 (influence) and 迫力 (force or intensity) are also related, though they have slightly different nuances.

An antonym or a related opposing concept for [説得力] is having a lack of persuasive power. Phrases such as 説得力に欠ける (lacking persuasiveness) or 空疎な議論 (empty argument) are often used in contrast.

彼女の言葉には不思議な説得力がある。 ・Translation: There is a strange persuasiveness to her words. ・Explanation: This sentence shows that the person's way of speaking naturally makes people believe or follow her, even without obvious logical proof.

経験の裏付けがない意見は、どうしても説得力が弱くなってしまう。 ・Translation: Opinions without the backing of experience inevitably become weaker in persuasiveness. ・Explanation: This explains that practical experience adds weight and conviction to what a person says.

The word [説得力] is a compound noun made of two main parts: 説得 (settoku, meaning persuasion) and 力 (ryoku or chikara, meaning power or strength). 説得 itself combines 説 (to explain or persuade) and 得 (to gain or obtain). Combined, [説得力] literally means the power to persuade others successfully.