Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Authority" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "authority", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
権限
けんげん (kengen)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
典拠
てんきょ (tenkyo)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "authority" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 権限 and 典拠.
In Japanese, 権限 (けんげん (kengen)) is typically associated with "authority, power, jurisdiction" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents The legitimate right or power to give orders, make decisions, or take action, usually within a specific scope..
On the other hand, 典拠 (てんきょ (tenkyo)) maps to "authority / source (of information)" (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 "権限"
その件は私の権限外なので、上司に相談してください。
That matter is beyond my authority, so please consult my supervisor.
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).
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "その件は私の ＿＿＿ 外なので、上司に相談してください。" (Meaning: "That matter is beyond my authority, so please consult my supervisor.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "権限" fits here because it means "authority, power, jurisdiction" in the context of: "That matter is beyond my authority, so please consult my supervisor.". "典拠" represents "authority / source (of information)".