主権

• Reading: しゅけん
• Romaji: shuken
• Kanji breakdown: 主 (shu) — master, principal; 権 (ken) — authority, right
• Pronunciation: /ɕɯ.ke.ɴ/

Meaning

Sovereignty; supreme power; dominion. The supreme and independent authority of a state to govern itself and determine its own affairs.

A core concept in international law and constitutional theory, 主権 encompasses both external sovereignty (freedom from foreign interference) and internal sovereignty (the right to govern one's own people). Japan's constitution asserts that sovereignty resides with the people (国民主権). Often appears in phrases like 主権国家 (sovereign state) and 主権侵害 (violation of sovereignty).

Examples

1. 日本国憲法は主権が国民に存することを宣言している。 Japan's constitution declares that sovereignty resides with the people.
2. 他国への武力介入は主権の侵害にあたると強く非難された。 Armed intervention in another country was strongly condemned as a violation of sovereignty.
3. 主権国家として独自の外交政策を追求する権利がある。 As a sovereign state, there is the right to pursue an independent foreign policy.

Usage Guide

Context: constitutional law, international relations, political theory

Tone: academic

Origin & History

From 主 (shu) meaning 'master/principal' and 権 (ken) meaning 'authority/right.' The compound denotes the supreme governing authority.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal (key civic concept)