1.
horsepower (unit of power)
A unit of measurement for engine power and mechanical output.
このエンジンは200馬力ある。
This engine has 200 horsepower.
馬力の高い車がほしい。
I want a car with high horsepower.
軽自動車は馬力が小さいので坂道はきつい。
Light cars have low horsepower, so hills are tough.
2.
energy; vigor; drive
Used figuratively to describe a person's stamina, effort, or determination to get things done.
締め切り前は馬力をかけて働く。
I work with full steam before a deadline.
あの人は馬力がある。
That person has a lot of energy.
試験まであと一週間だから、馬力をかけて勉強しよう。
There's only one week until the exam, so let's study with full force.
Compound of 馬 (horse) + 力 (power).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 馬力をかける (put in full effort, go full steam)
- 馬力がある (have energy/stamina)
- 200馬力 (200 horsepower)
The figurative sense (sense 2) is common in everyday conversation. 馬力をかける is an idiomatic expression meaning to put all one's energy into something.