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
法力
ほうりき (houriki)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "power" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 権限 and 法力.
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, 法力 (ほうりき (houriki)) maps to "power of the Buddhist Dharma" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. 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 "法力"
私は法力に興味があります。
I am interested in power of the Buddhist Dharma.
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.". "法力" represents "power of the Buddhist Dharma".