権利
権利 en 30 segundos
- Kenri (権利) is the Japanese word for 'right' or 'entitlement,' representing legal or moral power granted to individuals.
- It is often paired with verbs like 'aru' (to have), 'shuchou suru' (to claim), and 'koushi suru' (to exercise).
- The term is a cornerstone of the Japanese Constitution and is essential for understanding social and legal responsibilities.
- Common variations include 'jinken' (human rights), 'chosaku-ken' (copyright), and 'shoyuu-ken' (ownership rights).
The term 権利 (Kenri) is a fundamental pillar of modern Japanese legal and social structures, representing the concept of a 'right' or 'entitlement.' In its most basic sense, it refers to the legal or moral power recognized by society that allows an individual to act in a certain way or to claim specific benefits from others or the state. Unlike the concept of 'power' (権力 - kenryoku), which often implies a top-down authority, kenri is inherently tied to the individual's status as a member of a community or a citizen of a nation. Historically, the word was coined during the Meiji Restoration as a translation for the Western legal concept of 'rights,' combining the characters for 'authority/power' (権) and 'benefit/profit' (利). This etymology highlights that a right is not just a theoretical permission but a 'powerful benefit' that one is entitled to protect and exercise. In everyday life, it spans from the basic human rights (基本的人権 - kihon-teki jinken) to specific contractual rights, such as the right to a refund or the right to vote. Understanding kenri requires recognizing its inseparable relationship with 'duty' (義務 - gimu); in the Japanese social consciousness, the exercise of one's rights is often balanced against one's responsibilities to the collective. This nuance is crucial for learners to grasp, as demanding one's rights too aggressively without acknowledging the context can sometimes be perceived as selfish, despite being legally sound.
- Legal Context
- Refers to the power granted by law to protect individual interests, such as property rights or voting rights.
- Social Context
- Refers to the moral entitlement to be treated with respect or to have access to public resources.
- Personal Context
- Refers to the individual's sense of agency and the ability to make choices about their own life and body.
すべての国民は、健康で文化的な最低限度の生活を営む権利を有する。(All citizens have the right to maintain the minimum standards of wholesome and cultured living.)
労働者には、正当な報酬を受け取る権利がある。(Workers have the right to receive fair compensation.)
プライバシーの権利を守ることは、現代社会において極めて重要だ。(Protecting the right to privacy is extremely important in modern society.)
子供には教育を受ける権利がある。(Children have the right to receive an education.)
著作権は、作者の創造的な権利を保護する。(Copyright protects the creative rights of authors.)
Using 権利 (Kenri) correctly involves understanding its grammatical placement and the specific verbs that commonly accompany it. In Japanese, kenri functions as a noun and can be modified by verbs in the dictionary form to describe what the right is for. For example, 'the right to speak' becomes 'hanasu kenri' (話す権利). One of the most common structures is '[Noun/Verb] + no/ru + kenri ga aru,' meaning 'to have the right to [Noun/Verb].' It is important to distinguish between having a right and exercising it. To 'exercise' a right, the formal verb 行使する (koushi suru) is used, typically in legal or professional contexts. In more casual or assertive situations, one might 'claim' or 'insist on' their rights using 主張する (shuchou suru). Conversely, if a right is being taken away or violated, the terms 侵害する (shingai suru) for 'infringe' or 剥奪する (hakudatsu suru) for 'deprive' are used. For learners, it is also vital to understand the concept of 'kenri-ishiki' (rights-consciousness), which refers to how aware and protective people are of their legal entitlements. In a business setting, you might hear about 'shoyuu-ken' (ownership rights) or 'shiyou-ken' (usage rights). When discussing intellectual property, 'chosaku-ken' (copyright) is the standard term. Remember that while kenri is a powerful word, its over-use in social harmony-focused environments (like a traditional Japanese office) can sometimes be seen as confrontational. It is often better to frame requests in terms of 'fairness' or 'rules' rather than purely as an individual 'right' unless the situation is formal or legal.
- Common Verb Pairings
- 権利を行使する (Exercise a right), 権利を主張する (Claim a right), 権利を放棄する (Waive a right).
- Grammatical Patterns
- [Verb Dictionary Form] + 権利 (Right to [Verb]), [Noun] + の権利 (Right of [Noun]).
- Formal vs. Informal
- Use 'koushi' in legal documents; use 'shuchou' when demanding something you deserve.
彼は自分の権利を主張することを恐れない。(He is not afraid to claim his rights.)
投票する権利を放棄してはいけない。(You must not waive your right to vote.)
この土地の所有権利は誰にありますか?(Who has the ownership rights to this land?)
You will encounter 権利 (Kenri) in a variety of environments, ranging from high-stakes legal proceedings to everyday consumer interactions. In the media, news broadcasts frequently use the term when discussing human rights issues (人権問題 - jinken mondai), constitutional debates, or international law. If you are watching a Japanese drama or movie involving lawyers (弁護士 - bengoshi) or police, kenri will be a keyword in almost every episode, especially during scenes involving the 'right to remain silent' (黙秘権 - mokuhi-ken). In the workplace, the term appears in discussions about labor rights (労働者の権利 - roudousha no kenri), such as the right to take paid leave (有給休暇を取る権利 - yuukyuu kyuuka wo toru kenri). In schools, students learn about the 'Rights of the Child' (子どもの権利条約 - kodomo no kenri jouyaku). Even in the digital world, you see it in 'Terms of Service' agreements where 'usage rights' (利用権 - riyou-ken) are defined. It is also common in political discourse, where candidates might talk about the 'right to live in peace' or the 'right to know' (知る権利 - shiru kenri) regarding government actions. For a traveler, you might see it on signs regarding 'Property Rights' (所有権 - shoyuu-ken) in private areas. Understanding this word is essential for navigating any formal system in Japan, as it defines the boundaries of what is permitted and what is protected. It is not just a legal term; it is a cultural marker of the shift from a duty-bound society to one that recognizes individual agency.
- News & Media
- Used in reports on civil rights, court cases, and international treaties.
- Legal & Professional
- Found in contracts, employment agreements, and law enforcement procedures.
- Education
- Taught in social studies classes regarding the Japanese Constitution.
国民には政府の情報を知る権利がある。(The citizens have the right to know government information.)
この画像を使用する権利を持っていますか?(Do you have the right to use this image?)
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 権利 (Kenri) is confusing it with 権力 (Kenryoku). While both share the kanji for 'power' (権), kenri refers to a legal entitlement or right belonging to an individual, whereas kenryoku refers to political or social power and authority used to influence or control others. For example, a citizen has the kenri to vote, but a politician wields kenryoku to pass laws. Another common error is using kenri when 特権 (Tokken) (privilege) is more appropriate. A 'right' is something everyone in a certain category is entitled to by law, while a 'privilege' is a special advantage granted to a specific person or group. Furthermore, learners sometimes use the wrong particle; remember that the right *to* do something uses the dictionary form of the verb directly before kenri (e.g., 'taberu kenri' - the right to eat), not 'taberu no kenri.' In terms of social nuance, a mistake is 'claiming rights' (kenri wo shuchou suru) in a way that ignores 'duties' (gimu). In Japanese culture, the two are often viewed as a pair. If you only talk about your kenri without acknowledging your gimu, you may come across as 'wagamama' (selfish). Lastly, avoid confusing kenri with 資格 (Shikaku), which means 'qualification' or 'eligibility.' You might have the shikaku (qualification) to be a doctor, which then gives you the kenri (right) to practice medicine.
- Kenri vs. Kenryoku
- Kenri = Individual right/entitlement. Kenryoku = Political/authoritative power.
- Kenri vs. Tokken
- Kenri = Universal right. Tokken = Special privilege/advantage.
- Kenri vs. Shikaku
- Kenri = Legal entitlement. Shikaku = Qualification/Eligibility.
❌ 彼は大きな権利を使って国を動かした。(He used his great 'right' to move the country.)
✅ 彼は大きな権力を使って国を動かした。(He used his great 'power' to move the country.)
To fully master 権利 (Kenri), it is helpful to compare it with related terms that occupy the same semantic space. 人権 (Jinken) specifically refers to 'human rights'—those fundamental rights that every human being is born with. While kenri is a general term for any right (like a contract right), jinken is reserved for universal moral and legal protections. Another related term is 債権 (Saiken), a technical legal term referring to a 'credit' or a 'claim'—specifically the right to demand payment or performance from another person in a financial context. On the other hand, 所有権 (Shoyuu-ken) is the specific right of ownership over property. For those interested in intellectual property, 著作権 (Chosaku-ken) (copyright) and 特許権 (Tokkyo-ken) (patent rights) are essential. There is also 受益権 (Juueki-ken), which is the right to receive benefits from a trust or a public service. In social discussions, you might hear 参政権 (Sansei-ken), which refers to the right to participate in government, including the right to vote. Each of these words uses the 'ken' (権) kanji, reinforcing the idea of authority or legal standing. Understanding these variations allows you to be much more precise in your Japanese. For instance, saying you have the 'kenri' to a house is okay, but saying you have the 'shoyuu-ken' is legally accurate. Similarly, discussing 'jinken' issues sounds much more serious and globally-minded than just saying 'kenri' issues.
- Jinken (人権)
- Human rights; universal and fundamental.
- Shoyuu-ken (所有権)
- Ownership rights; specific to property.
- Chosaku-ken (著作権)
- Copyright; specific to creative works.
基本的人権は、誰にも侵されることのない永久の権利です。(Fundamental human rights are eternal rights that cannot be violated by anyone.)
How Formal Is It?
Nivel de dificultad
Gramática que debes saber
Verb Dictionary Form + Noun (Noun modification)
Passive Voice (for rights being violated/recognized)
Potential Form (ability to exercise rights)
Tame ni (Purpose - to protect rights)
Beki da (Obligation - should protect rights)
Ejemplos por nivel
私には権利があります。
I have a right.
Basic 'ga arimasu' structure.
これはあなたの権利です。
This is your right.
Simple 'A wa B desu' structure.
子供の権利を守ります。
Protect children's rights.
Noun + no + Noun.
権利は何ですか?
What is a right?
Question form.
みんなに権利があります。
Everyone has rights.
Use of 'minna' (everyone).
その権利は大切です。
That right is important.
Adjective 'taisetsu' modifying the concept.
権利の本を読みます。
I read a book about rights.
Object marker 'wo'.
権利を知りたいです。
I want to know my rights.
Desire form '-tai'.
休む権利があります。
I have the right to rest.
Verb dictionary form + Kenri.
質問する権利を使ってください。
Please use your right to ask questions.
Verb + Kenri + wo tsukau.
彼には話す権利がない。
He doesn't have the right to speak.
Negative 'nai' form.
自分の権利を主張しましょう。
Let's claim our own rights.
Volitional form '-mashou'.
それは私の権利じゃない。
That is not my right.
Informal negative 'janai'.
権利と義務はセットです。
Rights and duties are a set.
Using 'to' for 'and'.
誰がその権利を持っていますか?
Who has that right?
Verb 'motsu' (to hold/have).
新しい権利ができました。
A new right has been created.
Intransitive verb 'dekita'.
労働者の権利を守るために戦う。
Fight to protect workers' rights.
Tame ni (in order to).
著作権を侵害してはいけません。
You must not infringe on copyright.
Te wa ikemasen (prohibition).
彼は自分の権利を放棄した。
He waived his rights.
Past tense of 'houki suru'.
投票は国民の重要な権利だ。
Voting is an important right of the citizens.
Noun modification with 'na' adjective.
この土地の所有権を主張する。
Claim the ownership rights of this land.
Specific legal term 'shoyuu-ken'.
権利を正しく行使することが必要だ。
It is necessary to exercise rights correctly.
Koto ga hitsuyou da.
プライバシーの権利が認められた。
The right to privacy was recognized.
Passive voice 'mitomerareta'.
一方的に権利を奪うことはできない。
You cannot unilaterally take away rights.
Potential form 'dekinai'.
基本的人権は憲法で保障されている。
Fundamental human rights are guaranteed by the constitution.
Passive progressive 'sarete iru'.
黙秘権を行使することに決めた。
I decided to exercise my right to remain silent.
Koto ni kimeru (decide to).
知る権利は民主主義の基盤である。
The right to know is the foundation of democracy.
Formal 'de aru' ending.
他人の権利を不当に侵害してはならない。
One must not unjustly infringe upon the rights of others.
Formal prohibition 'te wa naranai'.
受益権の内容を詳しく確認する。
Check the details of the beneficial rights.
Technical term 'juueki-ken'.
権利の濫用は法的に許されない。
Abuse of rights is not legally permitted.
Compound noun 'kenri no ranyou'.
彼はその特許権を会社に譲渡した。
He transferred the patent rights to the company.
Specific term 'tokkyo-ken'.
平等な権利を求めてデモが行われた。
A demonstration was held seeking equal rights.
Passive 'okonawareta'.
権利の主体としての自覚を持つべきだ。
One should be aware of oneself as a subject of rights.
Formal 'beki da' (should).
公共の福祉のために権利が制限される場合がある。
There are cases where rights are restricted for the public welfare.
Baai ga aru (there are cases).
その判決は、居住権の重要性を再確認した。
The ruling reaffirmed the importance of the right to residence.
Advanced verb 'saikakunin suru'.
知的財産権の保護は国際的な課題だ。
Protecting intellectual property rights is an international challenge.
Compound noun 'chiteki zaisan-ken'.
彼は不当な解雇に対し、争う権利を留保した。
He reserved the right to contest the unfair dismissal.
Legal term 'ryuuho suru'.
参政権の拡大は長い歴史を経て実現した。
The expansion of suffrage was realized through a long history.
Through/via 'wo hete'.
自己決定権は、個人の尊厳に直結する。
The right to self-determination is directly linked to individual dignity.
Directly linked 'chokketsu suru'.
契約上の権利義務関係を明確にする。
Clarify the contractual rights and obligations relationship.
Complex noun string.
権利の衝突をどのように調整すべきかが問われている。
The question is how to reconcile the conflict of rights.
Passive 'towarete iru'.
自然権思想は、近代法の形成に多大な影響を与えた。
The concept of natural rights had a profound influence on the formation of modern law.
Historical term 'shizen-ken'.
国家権力による人権侵害は断じて許されない。
Human rights violations by state power are absolutely unacceptable.
Strong adverb 'danjite'.
包括的な基本権の保障が、法の支配の根幹を成す。
Comprehensive guarantee of basic rights forms the core of the rule of law.
Abstract 'konkan wo nasu'.
環境権の確立に向けた法整備が急務となっている。
Legal development toward establishing environmental rights has become an urgent task.
Urgent task 'kyuumu'.
請求権の消滅時効に関する規定を検討する。
Examine the provisions regarding the statute of limitations for the right to claim.
Highly technical legal jargon.
主権在民の原則に基づき、国民の権利が最優先される。
Based on the principle of popular sovereignty, the rights of the people are prioritized.
Ni motozuki (based on).
権利の帰属主体が誰であるかを厳密に特定する必要がある。
It is necessary to strictly identify who the subject of the right's attribution is.
Academic 'kizoku shutai'.
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
Se confunde a menudo con
Modismos y expresiones
Fácil de confundir
Patrones de oraciones
[Verb-Dict] 権利がある
[Noun] の権利を守る
権利を [Verb-Passive]
権利を主張する
権利を行使する
権利を放棄する
権利の濫用
正当な権利
Cómo usarlo
Kenri is stronger and more legalistic than 'kyoka' (permission).
It is a kango (Sino-Japanese word) and carries a formal tone.
Claiming rights is sometimes seen as individualistic in Japan.
Consejos
Pair with Gimu
When writing an essay about rights, always mention '義務' (gimu - duty) to show a balanced perspective, which is highly valued in Japanese culture.
Verb Form
Always use the dictionary form of a verb before '権利' (e.g., 食べる権利). Do not use the -masu form or the -te form in this position.
Specific Rights
Instead of just saying 'Kenri,' try to learn specific terms like '所有権' (ownership) or '参政権' (voting rights) to sound more advanced.
Softening Assertions
If you need to claim a right in a social setting, try using '〜という権利があると思うのですが' (I think I have the right to...) to sound less aggressive.
Suffix Watch
Listen for the sound 'ken' at the end of words in news broadcasts; it almost always indicates a type of right or authority.
Kanji Accuracy
Be careful with the second kanji '利'. It is the same as in 'benri' (convenient) or 'rieki' (profit). It represents the 'benefit' part of a right.
Pitch Accent
The pitch accent is on the first syllable (KE-n-ri). Pronouncing it correctly helps distinguish it from other similar-sounding words.
Exercise vs. Use
Use '行使する' (koushi suru) for exercising a right in formal/legal contexts, and '主張する' (shuchou suru) for claiming it.
Not Kenryoku
Never use 'Kenri' when you mean political power or influence over a group. That is always 'Kenryoku'.
Constitutional Study
Reading the simplified version of the Japanese Constitution is a great way to see 'Kenri' used in many different contexts.
Memorízalo
Asociación visual
Imagine a person holding a golden key (the right) that opens a door to a benefit (the profit/Ri).
Origen de la palabra
Coined during the Meiji Era (late 19th century) as a translation for Western legal concepts.
Contexto cultural
Asserting rights is often balanced with the need for social harmony (Wa).
The 1947 Constitution established 'Kenri' as a core part of Japanese identity.
Younger generations are becoming more vocal about labor rights compared to older generations.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Inicios de conversación
"日本での労働者の権利についてどう思いますか? (What do you think about workers' rights in Japan?)"
"インターネットでの知る権利は守られていると思いますか? (Do you think the right to know on the internet is protected?)"
"子供の権利を守るために何が必要でしょうか? (What is needed to protect children's rights?)"
"あなたは自分の権利を主張するタイプですか? (Are you the type to assert your rights?)"
"新しい権利(環境権など)についてどう考えますか? (What are your thoughts on new rights like environmental rights?)"
Temas para diario
今日、自分が権利を行使した場面について書いてください。 (Write about a situation today where you exercised a right.)
権利と義務のバランスについて自分の意見を述べてください。 (State your opinion on the balance between rights and duties.)
将来、どのような権利が新しく認められるべきだと思いますか? (What kind of rights do you think should be newly recognized in the future?)
あなたが一番大切だと思う権利は何ですか?その理由も。 (What right do you think is most important? And why?)
人権侵害のニュースを見て感じたことを書いてください。 (Write about how you felt seeing news about human rights violations.)
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasKenri refers to an individual's right or entitlement (e.g., the right to vote). Kenryoku refers to the power or authority someone has over others (e.g., the power of the government). They are often confused because they both start with the character for power, but their direction is different: Kenri is for the self, Kenryoku is over others.
Yes, but it often sounds a bit formal or serious. You might use it when discussing rules, work conditions, or legal matters. In casual talk, people might use 'shite mo ii' (it's okay to do) instead of 'kenri ga aru' (have the right to do) unless they are making a specific point about their entitlements.
Human rights is '人権' (jinken). It is a very common word in Japan, especially in schools and news. It is essentially 'Hito (person) + Kenri (right)' shortened to Jinken.
Yes, '動物の権利' (doubutsu no kenri) is the term for animal rights. It is a topic of increasing discussion in Japan regarding animal welfare laws.
It means 'abuse of rights.' This is a legal principle where someone exercises their legal right in a way that is intended only to harm others or goes against social justice. The law does not protect such actions.
It can be perceived as confrontational or 'strong' depending on the context. In a disagreement, saying 'It's my right' can end the conversation abruptly. It's often better to explain *why* you think so or refer to the 'rules' (kisoku).
Mokuhi-ken is the 'right to remain silent.' You will hear this in every Japanese detective show. It is a constitutional right in Japan.
The term is '権利を放棄する' (kenri wo houki suru). 'Houki' means to throw away or abandon.
Chosaku-ken is 'copyright.' It is a very important word in the age of the internet and social media in Japan, which has strict copyright laws.
While it is primarily a legal term, it can also be used for moral or social entitlements. For example, 'the right to be happy' (shiawase ni naru kenri) is a common philosophical use.
Ponte a prueba 180 preguntas
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Kenri is a modern legal concept in Japan that defines the scope of individual freedom and entitlement. While it empowers the individual, it is culturally balanced by the concept of 'gimu' (duty), making it a word of both legal strength and social responsibility.
- Kenri (権利) is the Japanese word for 'right' or 'entitlement,' representing legal or moral power granted to individuals.
- It is often paired with verbs like 'aru' (to have), 'shuchou suru' (to claim), and 'koushi suru' (to exercise).
- The term is a cornerstone of the Japanese Constitution and is essential for understanding social and legal responsibilities.
- Common variations include 'jinken' (human rights), 'chosaku-ken' (copyright), and 'shoyuu-ken' (ownership rights).
Pair with Gimu
When writing an essay about rights, always mention '義務' (gimu - duty) to show a balanced perspective, which is highly valued in Japanese culture.
Verb Form
Always use the dictionary form of a verb before '権利' (e.g., 食べる権利). Do not use the -masu form or the -te form in this position.
Specific Rights
Instead of just saying 'Kenri,' try to learn specific terms like '所有権' (ownership) or '参政権' (voting rights) to sound more advanced.
Softening Assertions
If you need to claim a right in a social setting, try using '〜という権利があると思うのですが' (I think I have the right to...) to sound less aggressive.
Ejemplo
すべての人には平等な権利があります。
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