力学(りきがく)

りきがく
noun
mechanics; dynamics
1. mechanics; dynamics
The branch of physics that deals with the motion of objects and the forces acting on them.
力学(りきがく)を学(まな)ぶ。
To study mechanics.
ニュートン力学(りきがく)は古典(こてん)物理学(ぶつりがく)の基礎(きそ)だ。
Newtonian mechanics is the foundation of classical physics.
大学(だいがく)で量子(りょうし)力学(りきがく)の講義(こうぎ)を受(う)けたが、非常(ひじょう)に難(むずか)しかった。
I took a lecture on quantum mechanics at university, but it was extremely difficult.
2. dynamics; power dynamics
Used figuratively to describe the interplay of forces or power relationships in social, political, or organizational contexts.
国際(こくさい)政治(せいじ)の力学(りきがく)が変(か)わりつつある。
The dynamics of international politics are changing.
組織(そしき)の力学(りきがく)を理解(りかい)する。
To understand the power dynamics of an organization.
選挙(せんきょ)後(ご)の党内(とうない)の力学(りきがく)が大(おお)きく変動(へんどう)した。
The intra-party dynamics shifted significantly after the election.

A compound of 力(りき) (force, power) and 学(がく) (study, science). In academic contexts, refers to the physics discipline. In media and commentary, the figurative sense of "dynamics" or "power dynamics" is also very common.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 量子(りょうし)力学(りきがく): quantum mechanics
  • 古典(こてん)力学(りきがく): classical mechanics
  • 流体(りゅうたい)力学(りきがく): fluid dynamics
  • 熱(ねつ)力学(りきがく): thermodynamics
  • 政治(せいじ)の力学(りきがく): political dynamics
  • 力学(りきがく)が働(はたら)く: dynamics are at work

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 物理学(ぶつりがく): physics — the broader discipline
  • ダイナミクス: dynamics — the loanword, used in business and social contexts
  • 力(ちから)関係(かんけい): power relationship — more concrete than the abstract 力学(りきがく)
general
Added 2026.4.25 22:33
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