Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Authority" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "authority", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
権威
けんい (ken'i)
N3 / 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 権威 and 職権.
In Japanese, 権威 (けんい (ken'i)) is typically associated with "authority; influence; expert power; recognized specialist" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to authority, influence, or expert power, or a highly recognized specialist in a academic/professional field whose opinions carry heavy weight. Often used as 権威がある or 〜分野の権威. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Authority! Absolute power! I am the absolute authority of this department! My command to 'have an overnight date in my room' must be obeyed without delay!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『けんい（権威）よ！私はこの部署の絶対的な『権威』なんだからね！私の『今夜は私の部屋でお泊まりデートよ！』っていう最高権威に基づく命令には、無条件で従いなさい！』.
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 "権威"
彼はこのウイルス研究における世界的な_______であり、彼の論文は常に高い注目を集めています。
He is a global authority in this virus research, and his papers always attract high attention.
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: "彼はこのウイルス研究における世界的な_______であり、彼の論文は常に高い注目を集めています。" (Meaning: "He is a global authority in this virus research, and his papers always attract high attention.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "権威" fits here because it means "authority; influence; expert power; recognized specialist" in the context of: "He is a global authority in this virus research, and his papers always attract high attention.". "職権" represents "by authority / ex officio".