권한
The power or right to give orders, make decisions, or enforce obedience.
Authority is the legitimate power to make decisions within a defined scope.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Official power or right to perform specific tasks.
- Often granted by law, rules, or organizational structure.
- Distinct from personal rights or political power.
Summary
Authority is the legitimate power to make decisions within a defined scope.
- Official power or right to perform specific tasks.
- Often granted by law, rules, or organizational structure.
- Distinct from personal rights or political power.
Use with verbs of delegation
Pair '권한' with verbs like '부여하다' (grant) or '위임하다' (delegate) to sound more professional. These verbs highlight the formal process of assigning responsibility.
Do not confuse with power
Avoid using '권한' when referring to raw physical or political power. Use '권력' for those contexts to avoid sounding awkward.
Hierarchy in Korean workplace
In Korea, '권한' is closely tied to one's job title. Respecting the hierarchy often means acknowledging who has the authority to make final decisions.
Examples
4 of 4그는 이 프로젝트를 결정할 권한이 있다.
He has the authority to decide on this project.
본 위원회는 법적 권한을 행사한다.
This committee exercises its legal authority.
네가 뭔데 나한테 이래라저래라 할 권한이 있어?
Who are you to have the authority to tell me what to do?
행정적 권한의 범위에 대한 연구.
A study on the scope of administrative authority.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'Authority' as 'Author-ity'—the author has the power to write or change the rules. Just like an author, someone with '권한' has the power to define the flow of work.
개요
'권한(權限)'은 한자어 그대로 '권리(權)'와 '한계(限)'가 결합된 단어로, 어떤 범위 내에서 일을 처리할 수 있는 자격과 힘을 뜻합니다. 단순히 힘이 세다는 의미를 넘어, 규정이나 법에 의해 정당하게 부여받은 공식적인 지위를 강조합니다.
사용 패턴
주로 '권한을 갖다', '권한을 부여하다', '권한을 행사하다', '권한을 남용하다'와 같은 서술어와 함께 쓰입니다. 누군가에게 권한을 줄 때는 '부여하다'나 '위임하다'라는 표현을 자주 사용합니다.
공통 맥락
직장 내에서 결재를 하거나 업무를 지시할 때, 시스템 관리자가 사용자 설정을 변경할 때, 혹은 법적 대리인이 특정 행위를 할 때 등 공적인 업무 환경에서 매우 빈번하게 사용됩니다.
유사어 비교
'권리'는 개인이 당연히 누릴 수 있는 일반적인 자격이라면, '권한'은 특정 직무나 지위에 따라 주어지는 제한적인 성격의 힘입니다. '권력'은 훨씬 더 강하고 정치적이거나 물리적인 지배력을 의미하므로, 일상적인 업무 환경에서는 '권한'을 쓰는 것이 훨씬 자연스럽습니다.
Usage Notes
Use '권한' in professional, legal, or organizational contexts. It is a formal noun, so avoid using it in casual conversation unless discussing professional boundaries. It is often paired with verbs like '부여하다' or '행사하다'.
Common Mistakes
Do not use '권한' to describe personal freedom or natural rights. Beginners often confuse '권한' with '권리' (rights). Remember that '권한' implies a duty or a specific task associated with the power.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Authority' as 'Author-ity'—the author has the power to write or change the rules. Just like an author, someone with '권한' has the power to define the flow of work.
Word Origin
Derived from Sino-Korean characters 權(power/right) and 限(limit). It literally means the limit of one's power or the scope of one's official right.
Cultural Context
In Korea, clearly defined '권한' is essential for organizational harmony. Misusing authority is highly frowned upon and often referred to as '갑질' (power abuse).
Examples
그는 이 프로젝트를 결정할 권한이 있다.
everydayHe has the authority to decide on this project.
본 위원회는 법적 권한을 행사한다.
formalThis committee exercises its legal authority.
네가 뭔데 나한테 이래라저래라 할 권한이 있어?
informalWho are you to have the authority to tell me what to do?
행정적 권한의 범위에 대한 연구.
academicA study on the scope of administrative authority.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
권한 밖의 일
Beyond one's authority
권한 위임
Delegation of authority
최종 결정 권한
Final decision-making authority
Often Confused With
Rights are inherent entitlements of a person, whereas authority is a specific power granted for a role.
Power refers to political or physical dominance, while authority is procedural and institutional.
Grammar Patterns
Use with verbs of delegation
Pair '권한' with verbs like '부여하다' (grant) or '위임하다' (delegate) to sound more professional. These verbs highlight the formal process of assigning responsibility.
Do not confuse with power
Avoid using '권한' when referring to raw physical or political power. Use '권력' for those contexts to avoid sounding awkward.
Hierarchy in Korean workplace
In Korea, '권한' is closely tied to one's job title. Respecting the hierarchy often means acknowledging who has the authority to make final decisions.
Test Yourself
빈칸에 알맞은 단어를 고르세요.
팀장님은 부하 직원들에게 업무를 처리할 수 있는 ___을(를) 부여했다.
업무 처리와 관련된 공식적인 자격은 '권한'이 가장 적절합니다.
다음 중 '권한'이 사용되기에 가장 적절한 상황은?
어떤 상황인가요?
공식적인 시스템 설정 변경은 권한이 필요한 업무적 상황입니다.
단어를 조합하여 문장을 만드세요.
권한 / 남용하다 / 그는 / 안 된다
주어-목적어-서술어 순서가 올바른 문장입니다.
Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions권리는 인간이라면 누구나 당연히 가지는 보편적인 자격이지만, 권한은 특정 직무나 지위를 수행하기 위해 공식적으로 부여받은 제한적인 힘입니다.
자신에게 주어진 정당한 권한을 본래 목적이 아닌 사적인 이익이나 부당한 방식으로 사용하는 것을 의미합니다.
상황에 따라 'have the authority to' 또는 'be authorized to'를 사용하여 표현할 수 있습니다.
자신이 가진 권한의 일부를 다른 사람에게 넘겨주어 대신 처리하게 하는 것을 의미합니다.
Related Vocabulary
More work words
주 5일제
A2A system where one works five days a week, typically Monday to Friday.
출퇴근
B1The act of going to work and coming back home from work.
유능하다
B1To be competent, capable, or talented in performing tasks or professional duties.
마감일
B1The final date or time by which something must be completed or submitted; a deadline.
전담
B2Being exclusively in charge of a specific task or responsibility.
월급
B1The amount of money that an employee is paid each month. A core vocabulary word for discussing jobs and the economy.
수행하다
B2To carry out a task, duty, or research; to perform or execute a plan.
추천서
B1A formal letter written by someone to recommend another person for a job, school, or award.
파트타임
A2Working fewer hours than a full-time job, part-time employment.
~기로 하다
A2To decide to do something.
