応用力(おうようりょく)

おうようりょく
noun
ability to apply knowledge; practical application skills
education
1. ability to apply knowledge; practical application skills
The capacity to take what one has learned and apply it flexibly to new or different situations. Valued highly in education and the workplace.
応用力(おうようりょく)を身(み)につける。
To develop the ability to apply knowledge.
基礎(きそ)がしっかりしていれば、応用力(おうようりょく)は自然(しぜん)とつく。
If you have solid fundamentals, applied skills come naturally.
この試験(しけん)は暗記(あんき)だけでなく応用力(おうようりょく)も問(と)われるので、難(むずか)しい。
This exam is difficult because it tests not just memorization but also the ability to apply knowledge.

Describes the practical ability to adapt and apply learned knowledge to new situations. Contrasts with rote memorization (暗記(あんき)) and basic knowledge (基礎力(きそりょく)). A key concept in Japanese education.

Common collocations

  • 応用力(おうようりょく)を身(み)につける: to acquire applied skills
  • 応用力(おうようりょく)がある: to have good application ability
  • 応用力(おうようりょく)を試(ため)す: to test application ability
  • 応用力(おうようりょく)を問(と)う: to test practical application (said of exams)
  • 応用力(おうようりょく)が高(たか)い: to have strong application skills

Similar words

  • 応用(おうよう): application — the base noun; refers to applying knowledge or technology in general
  • 実践力(じっせんりょく): practical ability — emphasizes hands-on execution rather than flexible thinking
  • 基礎力(きそりょく): fundamental ability — the complementary concept; solid basic knowledge that supports application

Etymology

応用(おうよう) (application) + 力(りょく) (power, ability).

general
Added 2026.4.1 2:20 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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