Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Power" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "power", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
威力
いりょく (iryoku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
生殺与奪
せいさつよだつ (seisatsu yodatsu)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "power" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 威力 and 生殺与奪.
In Japanese, 威力 (いりょく (iryoku)) is typically associated with "power, might, authority, force" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to the power or force that something possesses, often implying a strong impact or influence. Can be used for natural phenomena, weapons, or even a person's authority..
On the other hand, 生殺与奪 (せいさつよだつ (seisatsu yodatsu)) maps to "power over life and death; absolute power" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents 相手の生死や命運を完全に支配する権力や立場を指す四字熟語。非常に強い権限を表す。. A literal translation of "power" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "威力"
その台風は恐ろしい威力で町を破壊した。
That typhoon destroyed the town with terrible power.
Bilingual Context for "生殺与奪"
彼はこの組織において、部下の生殺与奪の権を握っている。
He holds the power of life and death over his subordinates in this organization.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "その台風は恐ろしい ＿＿＿ で町を破壊した。" (Meaning: "That typhoon destroyed the town with terrible power.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "威力" fits here because it means "power, might, authority, force" in the context of: "That typhoon destroyed the town with terrible power.". "生殺与奪" represents "power over life and death; absolute power".