Japanese word

特権

Pronunciation

Romajitokken

Meaning

  • nounprivilege

Example

彼は特権を利用して、規則を変えました。kare wa tok ken o ri yō shi te ki soku o ka e ma shi ta

He used his privilege to change the rules.

Illustration for 特権 (privilege)

More examples

彼女は特権を当然のものとは考えていません。kano jo wa tok ken o tō zen no mo no to wa kanga e te i ma se n

She does not take her privilege for granted.

Core concept

Describes a benefit or authority granted to one person or group beyond what is generally available.

Common phrases

  • 特権を行使するtok ken o kō shi su ru

    exercise a privilege

  • 特権を与えるtok ken o ata e ru

    grant a privilege

  • 特権を失うtok ken o ushina u

    lose a privilege

  • 特権を乱用するtok ken o ran yō su ru

    abuse a privilege

Similar words

特典tokuten: A particular advantage or benefit granted to someone under certain conditions.
権利kenri: A claim or freedom recognized by law, custom, or social agreement.
権限kengen: The recognized authority to control a matter or perform an official action.
優遇yūgū: Favorable treatment that provides better conditions or opportunities than usual.

Definition in Japanese

特定の人や集団だけに特別に認められた権利や利益。toku tei no hito ya shū dan da ke ni toku betsu ni mito me ra re ta ken ri ya ri eki

Word origin

特権 (tokken, "special right") combines 特 (toku, "special") and 権 (ken, "right or authority"), showing a right set apart for particular holders.

Usage tips

  • In English, privilege can mean both a special legal right and an unearned social advantage, so context determines whether it describes a formal benefit or a wider social condition.

Other meanings

  • special rightnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 特権性tokkenseiprivileged naturenoun
  • 特権的tokkentekiprivilegedna-adjective

Word lists with this word