威信

• Reading: いしん
• Romaji: ishin
• Kanji breakdown: 威 (i) — authority, majesty, dignity; 信 (shin) — trust, faith, belief
• Pronunciation: /i.ɕiɴ/

Meaning

Prestige; dignity. Authority and influence that commands respect from others.

A noun referring to the power or influence that comes from one's reputation, status, or achievements. Often used in formal and political contexts. Common collocations include 威信をかける (ishin wo kakeru, to stake one's prestige), 威信を保つ (ishin wo tamotsu, to maintain prestige), and 国の威信 (kuni no ishin, national prestige). Stronger and more formal than 名声 (meisei, fame) — 威信 implies authority and gravitas.

Examples

1. この大会で優勝し、チームの威信を取り戻した。 We won this tournament and restored the team's prestige.
2. 政府は国の威信をかけてプロジェクトを進めている。 The government is pushing the project forward with the nation's prestige on the line.
3. 長年の実績が彼の威信を支えている。 His long track record underpins his prestige.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, diplomacy, organisations

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 威 (i, authority/majesty) + 信 (shin, trust/faith). Literally 'authoritative trust' — the kind of respect earned through power and reliability.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal