Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Power" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "power", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
権限
けんげん (kengen)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
威力
いりょく (iryoku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "power" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 権限 and 威力.
In Japanese, 権限 (けんげん (kengen)) is typically associated with "power; authority; jurisdiction; right" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to the official or legal right/authority to make decisions, give orders, or perform certain actions. Commonly used in organizational, legal, or administrative contexts..
On the other hand, 威力 (いりょく (iryoku)) maps to "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.. A literal translation of "power" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "権限"
この件に関して、彼には最終決定を下す権限がある。
He has the authority to make the final decision regarding this matter.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この件に関して、彼には最終決定を下す ＿＿＿ がある。" (Meaning: "He has the authority to make the final decision regarding this matter.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "権限" fits here because it means "power; authority; jurisdiction; right" in the context of: "He has the authority to make the final decision regarding this matter.". "威力" represents "power, might, authority, force".