権力

• Reading: けんりょく
• Romaji: kenryoku
• Kanji breakdown: 権 (ken) — right, authority; 力 (ryoku) — power, force
• Pronunciation: /ke.ɴ.ɾʲo.kɯ/

Meaning

Political power; authority; influence. The ability to control or direct others, especially in governance.

A noun (also used as a no-adjective) referring to the power to govern, command, or influence others, particularly in political or institutional contexts. Common collocations include 権力を握る (to seize power), 権力者 (person in power), 権力の乱用 (abuse of power), and 権力闘争 (power struggle). Carries a weightier, more political connotation than 力 (strength) or 影響力 (influence).

Examples

1. 権力を持つ者はその責任も自覚すべきだ。 Those who hold power must also be aware of the responsibility that comes with it.
2. 歴史上多くの権力者が腐敗に陥った。 Throughout history, many powerful figures have fallen into corruption.
3. 権力の集中を防ぐ仕組みが民主主義には必要だ。 Democracy requires mechanisms to prevent the concentration of power.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, history, social studies, news

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 権 (ken, right/authority) + 力 (ryoku, power/force). Literally 'the force of authority,' combining legitimate right with the capacity to enforce it.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal