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
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 権限 and 生殺与奪.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "生殺与奪" represents "power over life and death; absolute power".