In 15 Seconds
- Means having the official power to make decisions.
- Used mostly in business, legal, or formal contexts.
- Combines 'kengen' (authority) with 'motsu' (to hold).
Meaning
This phrase means having the official power, right, or legal permission to make decisions or take specific actions. It is like being the person who holds the 'keys' to a particular task or department.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting
部長がそのプロジェクトの全権限を持っています。
The department manager has full authority over that project.
Clarifying roles in a group
誰がこの書類にサインする権限を持っていますか？
Who has the authority to sign this document?
Texting a colleague about a delay
私にはその権限がないので、課長に聞いてみます。
I don't have that authority, so I'll ask the section manager.
Cultural Background
Authority is often tied to rank (役職).
Use it for business
Only use this in professional or formal settings.
In 15 Seconds
- Means having the official power to make decisions.
- Used mostly in business, legal, or formal contexts.
- Combines 'kengen' (authority) with 'motsu' (to hold).
What It Means
Think of this as having the 'green light' power. It means you are officially allowed to decide things. It is not just about being strong or bossy. It is about having the formal right to say 'yes' or 'no.' In English, we say 'I have the authority.' In Japanese, you 'hold' (motsu) that authority (kengen). It is a very common phrase in professional settings. If you are the boss, you kengen o motsu.
How To Use It
You usually use this with a specific topic. For example, you might have 'authority over the budget.' In Japanese, you use the particle no to connect them. Yosan no kengen o motsu means holding budget authority. It sounds professional and clear. You can also use it to ask who is in charge. 'Who has the authority here?' is a classic line. Just be careful not to sound too demanding when asking.
When To Use It
Use it at work during important meetings. It is great for clarifying who can sign documents. Use it when dealing with government offices or banks. You might hear it in news reports about politics. It is also useful when discussing legal rights. If you are a team leader, this phrase is your friend. It helps define your boundaries clearly to your team.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for small, personal things. Do not say 'I have authority over this pizza.' That sounds like you are a pizza dictator! It is too heavy for casual friendships. Also, do not confuse it with physical strength. For 'I am strong,' use chikara ga aru. Avoid using it with your parents or elders. It might sound like you are challenging their status.
Cultural Background
Japan loves clear roles and hierarchies. Knowing who kengen o motsu is vital for social harmony. In many companies, authority is shared through consensus. This is called ringi. Even if one person 'holds' authority, they consult others. However, the person with kengen has the final stamp. The 'hanko' (seal) culture is tied to this phrase. The one with the authority usually has the biggest stamp!
Common Variations
You will often hear kengen ga aru. This means 'there is authority.' It is slightly softer than motsu. Motsu feels like you are actively grasping that power. Another one is ketteiken o motsu. This specifically means 'having decision-making power.' If you want to sound very formal, use yūsuru. Kengen o yūsuru is for legal documents. Stick to motsu for most business conversations.
Usage Notes
This phrase is primarily used in formal or professional contexts. Using it in casual conversation often sounds sarcastic or overly dramatic.
Use it for business
Only use this in professional or formal settings.
Examples
6部長がそのプロジェクトの全権限を持っています。
The department manager has full authority over that project.
Using 'zen-kengen' (full authority) emphasizes total control.
誰がこの書類にサインする権限を持っていますか？
Who has the authority to sign this document?
A standard way to find the decision-maker.
私にはその権限がないので、課長に聞いてみます。
I don't have that authority, so I'll ask the section manager.
A polite way to deflect a request you can't fulfill.
うちでは、猫が一番の権限を持っています。
In our house, the cat holds the most authority.
Using a formal phrase for a pet creates a funny contrast.
自分の人生の権限を持つのは、自分自身だ。
The one who holds authority over my life is myself.
A deep, philosophical use of the phrase.
店長だけが、その返金の権限を持っています。
Only the store manager has the authority for that refund.
Explaining store policy to a customer.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
この書類にサインする＿＿＿＿＿＿＿。
Signing a document requires authority, not just skill.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercisesこの書類にサインする＿＿＿＿＿＿＿。
Signing a document requires authority, not just skill.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsNo, it sounds too formal.
Related Phrases
決定権
synonymRight to decide
