権利

• Reading: けんり
• Romaji: kenri
• Kanji breakdown: 権 (ken/gon) — power, authority, right; 利 (ri/ki) — benefit, profit, advantage
• Pronunciation: /ke.n.ɾi/

Meaning

Right; privilege. A moral or legal entitlement to have or do something.

A noun used in legal, political, and everyday contexts. Common phrases include 権利がある (to have the right), 人権 (human rights), and 権利を守る (to protect rights). Often paired with 義務 (duty) to discuss the balance of rights and responsibilities.

Examples

1. 国民には選挙で投票する権利がある。 Citizens have the right to vote in elections.
2. すべての子どもに教育を受ける権利があります。 All children have the right to receive an education.
3. 自分の権利を大切にしてください。 Please value your own rights.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, politics, education

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 権 (power, authority, right) and 利 (benefit, profit, advantage). Together they express an empowered benefit — something one is entitled to.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal