权力

• Pinyin: quán lì
• Hanzi breakdown: 权 = 木 (wood) + 雚 (phonetic) — power; 力 = pictograph of a plow — strength, force

Meaning

Power; authority. The ability to control or influence others or make decisions.

Refers to political, institutional, or personal power to control and make decisions. Often used in discussions of government, leadership, and organizational hierarchy. Distinct from 权利 (rights) — 权力 is about power over others, 权利 is about entitlements.

Examples

1. 总统拥有任命内阁成员的权力。 The president has the power to appoint cabinet members.
2. 权力应该受到监督和制约。 Power should be subject to supervision and checks.
3. 他滥用职务权力，最终受到了法律制裁。 He abused his official power and was eventually subject to legal sanctions.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, organization, authority

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 权力必须受到监督。(Power must be supervised.)
• 谁掌握了权力？(Who holds the power?)

Don't Say

• 不要混淆'权力'和'权利' (权力 quán lì means power/authority; 权利 quán lì means rights — note the different tones on 力/利)

Origin & History

Compound of 权 (power, authority) and 力 (strength, force). Together they denote the force or capacity to exercise authority.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal