権
JLPT N3
Right, authority
Readings
On’yomi: ケン, ゴン (ken, gon)
Structure
Composition:
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Detailed Explanation
Vocabulary
権利
けんり
right
権力
けんりょく
power
人権
じんけん
human rights
権限
けんげん
authority
特権
とっけん
privilege
Example Sentences
権利を守ります。
けんり を まもります。
I protect rights.
権力があります。
けんりょく が あります。
He has power.
人権を尊重します。
じんけん を そんちょう します。
We respect human rights.
権限があります。
けんげん が あります。
There is authority.
特権です。
とっけん です。
It is a privilege.
Cultural Note
🎎 権 is a deeply philosophical and political kanji, reflecting both authority and balance.
• In Japan’s historical context, 権 was linked to imperial and shogunal power — terms like 権力 (authority) and 権威 (prestige) describe structured hierarchies.
• Expressions such as 「権利を守る」(to protect one’s rights) are central in modern democracy and legal education.
• Culturally, Japanese society values balance between authority (権) and responsibility (義) — excessive 権 without moral restraint is seen negatively.
• The word 権化 (ごんげ) also took on a spiritual meaning — “incarnation of a virtue or vice,” showing how abstract qualities become embodied in people or beings.
Thus, 権 embodies the dual nature of power — both its necessity for order and its potential for misuse — urging harmony between might and morality.
• In Japan’s historical context, 権 was linked to imperial and shogunal power — terms like 権力 (authority) and 権威 (prestige) describe structured hierarchies.
• Expressions such as 「権利を守る」(to protect one’s rights) are central in modern democracy and legal education.
• Culturally, Japanese society values balance between authority (権) and responsibility (義) — excessive 権 without moral restraint is seen negatively.
• The word 権化 (ごんげ) also took on a spiritual meaning — “incarnation of a virtue or vice,” showing how abstract qualities become embodied in people or beings.
Thus, 権 embodies the dual nature of power — both its necessity for order and its potential for misuse — urging harmony between might and morality.