At the A1 level, you can think of '权威' (quánwēi) simply as 'a very important person' or 'a big boss.' While you might not use this word yourself yet, you might hear it when people talk about someone who is the best at something. For example, 'He is a 权威 in football' means he knows everything about football. It is a noun. You can remember it as 'Power' (权) + 'Dignity' (威). At this level, just focus on the idea that a 权威 is someone you should listen to because they know a lot or have a high position. You don't need to worry about the complex grammar yet. Just think: 权威 = Expert / Boss.
At the A2 level, you should recognize '权威' (quánwēi) as a word for 'authority' or 'expert.' You will start to see it in short news articles or school contexts. For instance, '权威医生' (quánwēi yīshēng) means an 'authoritative doctor'—the best one to ask for advice. You can use it in simple sentences like '他是权威' (He is an authority). You are also learning that it's a formal word. If you are talking to your friends, you might say '专家' (expert), but if you are writing a small report, '权威' sounds more professional. It's about someone who has the 'right' to speak because they are very good.
At the B1 level, you should understand that '权威' (quánwēi) has two main meanings: institutional power and intellectual expertise. You should be able to use common collocations like '权威人士' (authoritative person) and '挑战权威' (challenge authority). You are now learning that 权威 is not just about being 'good' at something; it's about having a status that others recognize. For example, a government has 权威 because people follow its laws. A dictionary has 权威 because people look up words in it. You should also start to distinguish it from '权力' (quánlì - legal power). Remember: Power is what you *have*, Authority is what people *respect*.
At the B2 level, you can use '权威' (quánwēi) in more complex discussions about society, science, and politics. You should understand phrases like '树立权威' (establish authority) and '维护法律权威' (uphold the authority of the law). You can discuss the nuance between 权威 and 威信 (prestige/trust). In your writing, you should use 权威 as an adjective to describe sources, such as '权威渠道' (authoritative channels) or '权威机构' (authoritative institutions). You understand that this word carries a sense of formality and weight, and you can use it to argue why a certain source of information is more reliable than another.
At the C1 level, you are expected to master the philosophical and stylistic nuances of '权威' (quánwēi). You can use it to discuss abstract concepts like 'the crisis of authority' in modern society or the 'authoritative parenting style' (权威型教养方式). You understand its historical roots in Chinese culture, specifically how it relates to Confucian hierarchies. You can use the word in academic papers to evaluate the '权威性' (authoritativeness) of research. You are also familiar with related idioms and can use the word in sophisticated rhetorical structures, such as comparing the 'de jure' power (权力) with the 'de facto' authority (权威) of a historical figure.
At the C2 level, '权威' (quánwēi) is a tool for precise socio-political and intellectual analysis. You can deconstruct the '权威' of a text, an institution, or a movement. You understand how 权威 is constructed through discourse, tradition, and institutional backing. You can use the word in high-level debates about the legitimacy of governance or the shifting paradigms of scientific authority. You are comfortable using it in any register, from legal documents to literary criticism. You also understand the subtle irony when the word is used to describe 'pseudo-authorities' and can navigate the complex social dynamics where 权威 is asserted, negotiated, or dismantled.

权威 en 30 segundos

  • 权威 (quánwēi) means 'authority' and refers to both powerful institutions and top-level experts in any given field.
  • It is a formal word used in news, academia, and professional settings to denote high status and reliability.
  • Commonly paired with verbs like 'establish' (树立), 'maintain' (维护), and 'challenge' (挑战) in various social contexts.
  • It differs from 'power' (权力) because it implies a level of respect and recognition rather than just legal force.

The term 权威 (quánwēi) is a sophisticated and multi-layered noun in the Chinese language that encompasses the concepts of power, influence, and expertise. At its core, it represents the recognized ability to lead, decide, or provide definitive information. Unlike simple 'power' (权力 - quánlì), which often implies the legal or formal right to command, 权威 suggests a level of respect, prestige, and social acknowledgment that makes others willing to follow or believe. It is the synthesis of 'Quan' (power/rights) and 'Wei' (dignity/awe). In a modern context, it is used both to describe institutional power (like a government's authority) and intellectual supremacy (like a leading scientist in their field).

Institutional Authority
This refers to the formal power held by organizations or individuals within a hierarchy. For example, a court of law holds the 权威 to interpret statutes. It is the 'right to rule' that is accepted by the public.
Expert Authority
This describes a person who is a 'top authority' in a specific subject. If someone is called a '权威人士' (quánwēi rénshì), it means their knowledge is so vast that their opinions are considered definitive and beyond reproach.
Moral and Social Prestige
Beyond laws and books, 权威 can describe the gravitas or charisma of a person that naturally commands obedience and respect from others, often built over years of consistent behavior.

"他在这个领域工作了三十年,是公认的权威。"

— (He has worked in this field for thirty years and is a recognized authority.)

Historically, the concept of 权威 is deeply rooted in Chinese social philosophy. In Confucianism, the authority of the father, the teacher, and the ruler is paramount for social stability. However, this authority is not meant to be tyrannical; it is ideally based on 'Ren' (benevolence) and 'Yi' (righteousness). If a leader loses their moral standing, their 权威 is said to diminish. This explains why modern Chinese speakers use the word with a sense of gravity; to challenge someone's 权威 is a significant social or professional act.

Usage in Media

You will often see the phrase 权威发布 (Quánwēi Fābù) on official news channels. This translates to 'Official/Authoritative Release,' signaling to the audience that the information is verified and comes directly from the source of power.

In summary, 权威 is the intersection of might and right. It is the weight of a person's word and the strength of an institution's command. Whether you are talking about a dictionary being the 权威 for word meanings or a government maintaining its 权威, you are discussing a force that organizes society through respect and recognition.

Using 权威 correctly requires understanding its role as both a noun and occasionally an attributive adjective. In Chinese, it doesn't just describe a person; it describes the quality of being authoritative or the abstract concept of authority itself. Below are the primary ways to integrate this word into your vocabulary.

1. As a Noun (The Concept of Authority)

This is the most common usage. It often follows verbs like 'establish,' 'maintain,' or 'challenge.'

  • 树立权威 (shùlì quánwēi): To establish authority. (e.g., A new manager needs to establish their authority early on.)
  • 维护权威 (wéihù quánwēi): To maintain or uphold authority. (e.g., Laws are designed to maintain the authority of the state.)
  • 挑战权威 (tiǎozhàn quánwēi): To challenge authority. (e.g., Scientific progress often requires challenging existing authorities.)

"老师在课堂上必须树立自己的权威。"

(A teacher must establish their own authority in the classroom.)

2. Referring to an Expert (The Person)

When referring to a person who is an authority, you can use it directly or as part of a compound.

  • 他是医学界的权威 (Tā shì yīxuéjiè de quánwēi): He is an authority in the medical world.
  • 权威人士 (quánwēi rénshì): Authoritative figures / Experts.
  • 权威专家 (quánwēi zhuānjiā): Authoritative experts.

3. As an Adjective (Authoritative)

When describing a source of information, 权威 acts as an adjective meaning 'reliable' or 'definitive.'

  • 权威渠道 (quánwēi qúdào): Authoritative channels (of information).
  • 权威著作 (quánwēi zhùzuò): An authoritative work/book.
  • 权威机构 (quánwēi jīgòu): An authoritative institution.

When constructing sentences, remember that 权威 carries a high register. It is formal. In casual conversation, you might use '厉害' (lìhai) or '牛' (niú) to describe someone's expertise, but in a professional or academic setting, 权威 is the appropriate term to show respect for someone's standing.

You will encounter 权威 in several specific environments in China, ranging from the evening news to the university lecture hall. Understanding these contexts helps you grasp the cultural weight the word carries.

1. News and Government Announcements

In China, official information is highly valued. The phrase 权威部门 (authoritative departments) is used to distinguish government-verified news from rumors (传闻 - chuánwén). When a major policy is announced, the media will emphasize that this is the '权威解读' (authoritative interpretation).

2. Academic and Professional Settings

In universities, professors are often introduced as '学术权威' (academic authorities). If you are writing a thesis, your advisor might tell you to cite more '权威资料' (authoritative data) to strengthen your argument. Here, the word implies that the source is peer-reviewed, established, and widely accepted by the community.

🎓Academic Context

"引用权威数据是写好论文的关键。" (Citing authoritative data is the key to writing a good paper.)

3. Legal and Judicial Contexts

The legal system relies on the 法律权威 (authority of the law). Judges and lawyers frequently speak about '维护司法权威' (maintaining judicial authority). In this sense, it refers to the public's trust in the fairness and finality of legal decisions.

4. Parenting and Family Discussions

Modern Chinese parenting debates often revolve around '权威型教育' (authoritative parenting) versus '专制型教育' (authoritarian parenting). While they sound similar, 权威 in a positive parenting context implies a parent who is demanding but responsive, earning respect rather than just demanding blind obedience.

While 权威 is a B1 level word, it is often misused by learners who confuse it with related concepts of power or expertise. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.

1. Confusing 权威 (quánwēi) with 权力 (quánlì)

This is the #1 mistake. 权力 refers to the legal or formal power to do something (e.g., the power to sign a contract). 权威 is the social or intellectual standing that makes people respect that power. You can have the 权力 (power) to fire someone, but you might lack the 权威 (authority/respect) to lead them effectively.

❌ Wrong:
他很有权威,可以决定谁被解雇。(He has authority, he can decide who gets fired.) - *While technically possible, '权力' is more accurate for legal rights.*
✅ Correct:
他在科学界很有权威,大家都听他的。(He has great authority in the scientific world; everyone listens to him.)

2. Using it as a simple synonym for 'Expert' (专家)

While an authority is an expert, not every expert is an authority. 专家 is a job title or a description of skill. 权威 implies being at the very top of the pyramid. If you call a first-year graduate student a '权威', it sounds like sarcasm.

3. Incorrect Collocations

Learners often try to use '权威' with verbs like '做' (zuò) or '有' (yǒu) in ways that sound unnatural. While '有权威' is correct, it's often better to use '具有' (jùyǒu) or '树立' (shùlì) in formal writing.

Common Error:

Saying "我是一个权威" (I am an authority) can sound extremely arrogant in Chinese culture. It is almost always better to let others describe you as a 权威, or use the phrase "权威人士" (an authoritative person).

4. Confusing with 权利 (quánlì - Rights)

Because 权威 and 权利 both start with 'quán', beginners often mix them up. Remember: 权利 is about what you are *allowed* to have (like human rights), while 权威 is about your *standing* and *power*.

To truly master 权威, you must understand how it sits within a family of related terms. Here is a breakdown of its synonyms and how they differ.

权威 vs. 威信 (wēixìn)

权威 is often top-down (institutional or expert status). 威信 is bottom-up (prestige and trust earned from subordinates or the public). A leader can lose their 威信 but still retain their 权威 through force.

权威 vs. 专家 (zhuānjiā)

专家 is a general term for someone with specialized knowledge. 权威 is the 'expert of experts.' There are many experts in AI, but only a few are considered the 权威 of the field.

权威 vs. 权力 (quánlì)

权力 is the legal right to command. 权威 is the social/moral power that makes people *want* to obey or believe. Power is given; authority is often recognized.

权威 vs. 泰斗 (tàidǒu)

泰斗 is an even higher honorific than 权威. It refers to a 'giant' or 'luminary' in a field (like Einstein in physics). 权威 is professional; 泰斗 is legendary.

Usage Spectrum

Think of the spectrum of influence like this:

  1. 有经验的人 (Experienced person): Knows how to do the job.
  2. 专家 (Expert): Has deep knowledge of the job.
  3. 权威 (Authority): Defines how the job should be done for everyone else.
  4. 泰斗 (Luminary): Changed the history of the job forever.

How Formal Is It?

Nivel de dificultad

Gramática que debes saber

Noun modification with '的'

Verb-Object collocations

Abstract noun usage

Ejemplos por nivel

1

他是这个领域的权威。

He is the authority in this field.

Noun used as a predicate.

2

我们要听权威的话。

We should listen to the authority's words.

权威 used as a noun.

3

这本书很权威。

This book is very authoritative.

权威 used as an adjective.

4

她是权威医生。

She is an authoritative doctor.

Attributive use.

5

谁是这里的权威?

Who is the authority here?

Question form.

6

权威说今天会下雨。

The authority said it will rain today.

Subject of the sentence.

7

他不听权威的建议。

He doesn't listen to the authority's advice.

Negative sentence.

8

权威机构发布了消息。

An authoritative institution released the news.

权威 modifying a noun.

1

你应该找一个权威的人问问。

You should find an authoritative person to ask.

Using '的' to modify '人'.

2

这篇报道来自权威渠道。

This report comes from an authoritative channel.

Prepositional phrase '来自...'.

3

他说话很有权威。

He speaks with great authority.

Verb '有' + 权威.

4

我们尊重法律的权威。

We respect the authority of the law.

Object of the verb '尊重'.

5

权威人士认为房价会降。

Authoritative figures believe house prices will drop.

Compound noun '权威人士'.

6

这篇文章引用了权威数据。

This article cited authoritative data.

Adjectival use.

7

他在家里没有权威。

He has no authority at home.

Negative possession.

8

我们要维护老师的权威。

We need to maintain the teacher's authority.

Verb-object collocation '维护权威'.

1

新经理正在努力树立自己的权威。

The new manager is working hard to establish his authority.

Collocation '树立权威'.

2

不要盲目相信所谓的权威。

Don't blindly believe in so-called authorities.

Use of '所谓的' (so-called).

3

他的研究得到了权威机构的认可。

His research has been recognized by authoritative institutions.

Passive-like structure '得到...认可'.

4

挑战权威需要勇气和证据。

Challenging authority requires courage and evidence.

Gerund-like use as a subject.

5

这部词典是汉语研究的权威著作。

This dictionary is an authoritative work in Chinese language research.

Noun phrase '权威著作'.

6

政府的权威来自于人民的信任。

The government's authority comes from the people's trust.

Abstract subject.

7

作为行业权威,他受邀参加了会议。

As an industry authority, he was invited to the conference.

Preposition '作为' (as).

8

这篇文章的观点不够权威。

The viewpoint of this article is not authoritative enough.

Adjective with '不够'.

1

在学术讨论中,我们不应只看重权威。

In academic discussions, we shouldn't only value authority.

Formal negative '不应'.

2

司法权威是社会公平的最后一道防线。

Judicial authority is the last line of defense for social fairness.

Metaphorical usage.

3

他凭借多年的经验确立了行业权威。

He established industry authority by virtue of years of experience.

Verb '确立' (to establish/confirm).

4

权威发布的消息澄清了之前的谣言。

The news released by the authority clarified the previous rumors.

Complex subject phrase.

5

这种权威型的管理风格有时会抑制创新。

This authoritative management style can sometimes stifle innovation.

Adjectival compound '权威型'.

6

他被公认为该领域的最高权威。

He is recognized as the highest authority in the field.

Structure '被公认为...'.

7

维护中央权威是国家稳定的基石。

Maintaining central authority is the cornerstone of national stability.

Political register.

8

我们必须引用最权威的统计数据。

We must cite the most authoritative statistical data.

Superlative '最'.

1

互联网的兴起在一定程度上瓦解了传统媒体的权威。

The rise of the internet has, to some extent, dismantled the authority of traditional media.

Verb '瓦解' (to dismantle/disintegrate).

2

真正的权威并非源于职位,而源于人格魅力。

True authority does not stem from position, but from personal charisma.

Structure '并非...而源于...'.

3

他试图通过这种方式来削弱对手的权威。

He tried to weaken his opponent's authority in this way.

Verb '削弱' (to weaken).

4

该报告的权威性受到了专家的广泛质疑。

The authoritativeness of the report has been widely questioned by experts.

Noun '权威性' (authoritativeness).

5

在那个动荡的年代,没有任何权威可以依靠。

In those turbulent times, there was no authority to rely on.

Existential sentence.

6

法律的生命力在于其权威得到普遍的尊重。

The vitality of the law lies in its authority being universally respected.

Abstract philosophical statement.

7

他那种不容置疑的语气显示了他的权威。

His unquestionable tone showed his authority.

Idiom '不容置疑' (unquestionable).

8

权威的丧失往往伴随着信任的崩塌。

The loss of authority is often accompanied by the collapse of trust.

Formal noun phrase '权威的丧失'.

1

后现代主义哲学倾向于解构一切形式的权威。

Postmodern philosophy tends to deconstruct all forms of authority.

Academic register '解构' (deconstruct).

2

在全球化背景下,主权国家的权威面临着前所未有的挑战。

In the context of globalization, the authority of sovereign states faces unprecedented challenges.

Complex socio-political context.

3

这种家长式的权威在现代都市家庭中正逐渐消解。

This paternalistic authority is gradually dissolving in modern urban families.

Verb '消解' (to dissolve/dissipate).

4

他以一种近乎偏执的方式维护着自己在学术界的权威。

He maintained his authority in the academic world in an almost paranoid manner.

Adverbial '近乎偏执的方式'.

5

科学权威的建立是一个长期且严谨的同行评议过程。

The establishment of scientific authority is a long and rigorous peer-review process.

Complex subject '科学权威的建立'.

6

当法律失去权威,社会契约也就形同虚设。

When the law loses its authority, the social contract becomes a mere formality.

Conditional structure '当...也...'.

7

他不仅是技术上的权威,更是精神上的领袖。

He is not only a technical authority but also a spiritual leader.

Parallel structure '不仅是...更是...'.

8

权威的合法性基础在于其对公共利益的维护。

The basis of the legitimacy of authority lies in its maintenance of the public interest.

Highly formal '合法性基础'.

Sinónimos

Antónimos

无名小卒 软弱

Colocaciones comunes

树立权威
维护权威
挑战权威
权威人士
权威机构
权威发布
权威渠道
权威著作
法律权威
学术权威

Frases Comunes

具有权威
丧失权威
绝对权威
最高权威
国际权威
行业权威
权威部门
权威数据
权威解释
权威结论

Se confunde a menudo con

权威 vs 权力 (quánlì) - Power

权威 vs 权利 (quánlì) - Rights

权威 vs 威信 (wēixìn) - Prestige

Modismos y expresiones

"大权独揽"
"威风凛凛"
"人微言轻"
"一言九鼎"
"至高无上"
"名副其实"
"德高望重"
"后生可畏"
"不容置疑"
"唯我独尊"

Fácil de confundir

权威 vs

权威 vs

权威 vs

权威 vs

权威 vs

Patrones de oraciones

Cómo usarlo

Tone

Respectful

Nuance

Authority vs Power

Context

Formal settings only

Errores comunes
  • Using 权威 instead of 权力 for legal rights.
  • Using 权威 as a verb.
  • Calling yourself a 权威 (arrogance).
  • Confusing the pronunciation with 'quánlì'.
  • Using it in very casual slang contexts.

Consejos

Build Compounds

Learn 权威人士 and 权威机构 together.

Hierarchy

Understand that 权威 is central to Chinese social logic.

Collocations

Always pair with 树立, 维护, or 挑战.

Register

Use it in debates to sound more persuasive.

News Keywords

Listen for '权威发布' to find verified news.

Academic Tone

Use '权威性' to discuss the quality of a source.

Distinction

Power (Force) vs Authority (Respect).

Visualizing

Picture a scale (权) and a tiger (威).

Humility

Don't call yourself a 权威 in public.

Antonyms

Contrast with '人微言轻' to remember the meaning.

Memorízalo

Origen de la palabra

Ancient Chinese texts used '权' for the weight on a scale and '威' for the awe-inspiring power of a ruler.

Contexto cultural

Shift from 'strict' to 'authoritative' styles.

Hierarchy is essential for harmony.

Official sources are labeled 'authoritative' to combat fake news.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Inicios de conversación

"你认为谁是这个领域的权威?"

"在你的国家,人们挑战权威吗?"

"你觉得老师应该如何树立权威?"

"权威发布的消息总是正确的吗?"

"你更看重权力还是权威?"

Temas para diario

描述一次你挑战权威的经历。

你认为一个真正的权威应该具备什么素质?

互联网如何改变了我们对权威的看法?

在家庭中,谁拥有最高的权威?

如果没有了权威,社会会变成什么样?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Yes, like a dictionary or a law.

Usually neutral to positive, but 'blindly following authority' is negative.

最高权威 (zuìgāo quánwēi).

No, it is only a noun or adjective.

权威型教养方式.

No, 权威 is higher and more recognized.

Rarely, unless they are a child prodigy in a field.

An authoritative figure/expert.

Often, but not necessarily; it implies status.

挑战权威 (tiǎozhàn quánwēi).

Ponte a prueba 98 preguntas

/ 98 correct

Perfect score!

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