行使

• Pinyin: xíng shǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 行 = 彳 + 亍 (walk/carry out); 使 = 亻 + 史 (use/employ/envoy)

Meaning

To exercise; to use; to carry out. To put into effect a right, power, or authority that one legitimately possesses.

A formal legal and administrative term. Used to describe exercising rights (权利), powers (权力), functions (职能), or duties (职责). Common in legal documents, governance, and formal discourse.

Examples

1. 公民有权行使选举权和被选举权，这是民主制度的基本保障。 Citizens have the right to vote and to run for office; this is a fundamental safeguard of a democratic system.
2. 法院依法行使审判权，确保司法公正与程序合规。 Courts exercise judicial power in accordance with the law, ensuring fair justice and proper procedure.
3. 股东可在年度大会上行使投票权，对重大议案表达意见。 Shareholders can exercise their voting rights at the annual meeting and express their views on major proposals.

Usage Guide

Context: law, governance, business

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 每位公民都有责任正当行使自己的权利，同时履行相应的义务。(Every citizen has the responsibility to properly exercise their rights while fulfilling corresponding obligations.)
• 监察机关依法行使监督权，有效遏制腐败行为。(The supervisory authority exercises supervisory power according to law, effectively curbing corruption.)

Don't Say

• 行使一项爱好 — 行使 applies to rights, powers, or official functions, not hobbies; use 从事 or 享受 for personal interests

Origin & History

行 (carry out/perform) + 使 (use/employ)

Cultural Context

Era: Traditional to Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal