兵威

• Reading: へいい
• Romaji: heii
• Kanji breakdown: 兵 (hei) — soldier, arms, troops; 威 (i) — authority, power, dignity
• Pronunciation: /heː.i/

Meaning

Military power; armed authority. The intimidating force or prestige of an army.

A literary and somewhat archaic noun referring to the imposing power or authority of military forces. Less common in modern everyday usage than 軍事力 (gunjiryoku, military power) or 武力 (buryoku, armed might). Primarily encountered in historical texts, literature, and formal writing about military history.

Examples

1. その王は兵威を背景に領土を拡大した。 The king expanded his territory backed by military might.
2. 兵威を誇示して敵国を威嚇した。 He intimidated enemy nations by displaying armed strength.
3. 強大な兵威により周辺国は服従を余儀なくされた。 Surrounding countries were forced to submit before the overwhelming military power.

Usage Guide

Context: history, literature, military history

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 兵 (hei, soldier/arms) + 威 (i, authority/dignity/power). Literally 'the authority of arms' — the intimidating presence and power of a military force.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal