Japanese word

権力

Pronunciation

Romajikenryoku

Meaning

  • nounpower

Example

彼は大きな権力を持っています。kare wa ō ki na ken ryoku o mo tte i ma su

He has a lot of power.

Illustration for 権力 (power)

More examples

彼は選挙で勝って、権力を握りました。kare wa sen kyo de ka tte ken ryoku o nigi ri ma shi ta

He won the election and seized power.

Core concept

Describes the capacity to shape other people's actions or decisions through control, authority, or influence.

Common phrases

  • 権力を持つken ryoku o mo tsu

    hold power

  • 権力を握るken ryoku o nigi ru

    seize power

  • 権力を乱用するken ryoku o ran yō su ru

    abuse power

Similar words

支配力shihairyoku: The ability to control how other people act or what they decide.
権威keni: The recognized right or standing to give orders and make decisions.
影響力eikyōryoku: The ability to affect other people's actions, opinions, or decisions.
勢力seiryoku: The strength or reach of a person or group in society or politics.

Definition in Japanese

人や組織を動かし、意思や行動に大きな影響を及ぼす力。hito ya so shiki o ugo ka shi i shi ya kō dō ni ō ki na ei kyō o oyo bo su chikara

Word origin

権力 (kenryoku, "power") is a Sino-Japanese compound of 権 (ken, "authority or right") and 力 (ryoku, "force or power").

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, 権力 (kenryoku) usually refers to social or political power rather than physical strength.

Other meanings

  • authoritynoun
  • influencenoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 権力者kenryokushaperson in powernoun

Word lists with this word