特权

• Pinyin: tè quán
• Hanzi breakdown: 特 = 牜(cow) + 寺 (temple) — special; 权 = 木 (wood) + 雚 (crane) — power, rights

Meaning

Privilege; special rights. Advantages or powers granted to select individuals or groups.

Often used critically to describe unfair advantages enjoyed by those in power. Can also neutrally describe legitimate special rights. Common in discussions about social inequality, corruption, or exclusive benefits.

Examples

1. 法律面前人人平等，任何人都不应该享有特权。 Everyone is equal before the law — no one should enjoy special privileges.
2. 有些人仗着自己有点关系，就以为可以享受特权。 Some people think they can enjoy privileges just because they have some connections.
3. 会员享有优先购票的特权，普通用户需要排队等候。 Members enjoy the privilege of priority ticket purchasing; regular users need to wait in line.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, social issues, membership

Tone: critical or neutral

Do Say

• 不应该有人享有特权。(No one should enjoy special privileges.)
• 这是会员的特权。(This is a member privilege.)

Don't Say

• 把正当权利说成'特权' (Don't call legitimate rights 特权 — that implies unfairness)

Origin & History

特 means special, 权 means rights or power — special rights.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal