Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Authority" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "authority", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
典拠
てんきょ (tenkyo)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
職権
しょっけん (shokken)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "authority" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 典拠 and 職権.
In Japanese, 典拠 (てんきょ (tenkyo)) is typically associated with "authority / source (of information)" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus..
On the other hand, 職権 (しょっけん (shokken)) maps to "by authority / ex officio" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "authority" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "典拠"
私は典拠に興味があります。
I am interested in authority / source (of information).
Bilingual Context for "職権"
私は職権に興味があります。
I am interested in by authority / ex officio.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "私は ＿＿＿ に興味があります。" (Meaning: "I am interested in authority / source (of information).")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "典拠" fits here because it means "authority / source (of information)" in the context of: "I am interested in authority / source (of information).". "職権" represents "by authority / ex officio".