権威

• Reading: けんい
• Romaji: keni
• Kanji breakdown: 権 (ken) — authority, right, power; 威 (i) — majesty, dignity, intimidate
• Pronunciation: /keɴ.i/

Meaning

Authority; power; influence; prestige. The recognised expertise or commanding influence in a field.

A noun describing both institutional authority (the power to command) and intellectual authority (being a recognised expert). Unlike 権力 (raw political/institutional power), 権威 often carries an element of earned respect or expertise. Common phrases: 権威ある (authoritative), 権威主義 (authoritarianism), その分野の権威 (an authority in that field).

Examples

1. 彼はこの分野では世界的な権威として知られている。 He is known as a world authority in this field.
2. 権威ある学術誌に論文が掲載された。 His paper was published in a prestigious academic journal.
3. 親の権威だけでは子どもを動かせない時代になった。 We've entered an era where parental authority alone is no longer enough to guide children.

Usage Guide

Context: academia, politics, social commentary

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Compound of 権 (authority, right, power) + 威 (majesty, dignity, intimidate). Together they convey power backed by dignity or prestige.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal