Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Power" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "power", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
生殺与奪
せいさつよだつ (seisatsu yodatsu)
N1 / 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 生殺与奪 and 法力.
In Japanese, 生殺与奪 (せいさつよだつ (seisatsu yodatsu)) is typically associated with "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。.
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 "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.
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: "彼はこの組織において、部下の ＿＿＿ の権を握っている。" (Meaning: "He holds the power of life and death over his subordinates in this organization.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "生殺与奪" fits here because it means "power over life and death; absolute power" in the context of: "He holds the power of life and death over his subordinates in this organization.". "法力" represents "power of the Buddhist Dharma".