Power is the ability to influence actions, decisions, or outcomes, often tied to a position or authority.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Ability to influence or control others.
- Often linked to position or authority.
- Can be political, organizational, or personal.
Overview
权力（quánlì）是一个核心的社会和政治概念，指代一种影响力或控制力。它允许个体或群体在特定情境下做出决策并使其得到执行，从而影响他人的行为、思想或事态的发展。权力的来源多种多样，可以是合法的（如职位赋予的），也可以是非法的（如武力威胁），还可以是基于知识、财富或魅力的。
在中文里，“权力”一词常与“拥有”、“掌握”、“滥用”、“失去”、“分配”、“斗争”等动词搭配使用。它也经常出现在描述政治、经济、社会结构和人际关系的语境中。例如，“他掌握着巨大的权力”，“权力导致腐败”，“父权”等。
权力经常出现在以下语境中：
**个人层面**：个人影响力、说服力，有时也指代一种能力或力量。
与“权力”相似的词语包括“权威”（quánwēi）、“力量”（lìliang）和“权利”（quánlì）。
- 权力 (quánlì)：更侧重于影响和控制他人的能力，尤其与职位和权威相关。
- 权威 (quánwēi)：强调的是因其知识、经验或地位而受到的尊敬和信赖，从而产生的说服力和影响力。权威通常是基于合法性或专业性的。
- 力量 (lìliang)：指体力、能力或影响他人的能量，可以是有形的（如武力）或无形的（如智力）。它比权力更广泛，不一定涉及控制。
- 权利 (quánlì)：指法律或道德上允许个人做某事或拥有的东西，是应得的权益，与“权力”的“控制”意味不同，尽管它们发音相同（quánlì）。例如，“公民享有言论的权利”。
Examples
在公司里，经理拥有最终决定权，这是一种管理权力。
everydayIn the company, the manager has the final say, which is a form of management power.
政府必须谨慎行使其国家权力，以保障公民的福祉。
formalThe government must exercise its national power cautiously to protect the welfare of its citizens.
别以为你有点小权力就可以为所欲为。
informalDon't think you can do whatever you want just because you have a little bit of power.
历史研究揭示了不同时期权力结构的变化及其对社会的影响。
academicHistorical research reveals the changes in power structures across different periods and their impact on society.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
权力的游戏
Game of Thrones (literally: game of power)
权力与利益
power and interests
权力结构
power structure
Often Confused With
While both are pronounced 'quánlì', '权力' refers to the ability to influence or control, whereas '权利' refers to rights or entitlements one possesses, often legally or morally guaranteed.
'权力' is the general ability to influence or control, often tied to a position. '权威' implies respect and credibility based on expertise or status, leading to influence.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word '权力' is commonly used in discussions about politics, management, and social hierarchies. In informal settings, it might be used sarcastically or to describe someone who is acting bossy. Be mindful of the context to correctly interpret its meaning and connotation.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is confusing '权力' (power, authority) with '权利' (rights, entitlement), as they sound identical. Ensure you use the correct character based on the intended meaning of control versus entitlement.
Tips
Understand Power Dynamics
Recognize how power operates in different situations, from workplaces to governments. Consider who holds power and how they use it.
Beware of Abuse of Power
The concept of power often comes with a warning about its potential for abuse. Be mindful of ethical considerations when discussing or wielding power.
Hierarchical Structures
Many East Asian cultures traditionally emphasize hierarchical structures where power is clearly defined by age, position, and social status.
Word Origin
The character '权' originally referred to a balance scale, symbolizing fairness and judgment, but evolved to represent power and authority. The character '力' means strength or power. Together, '权力' signifies the strength or ability to exert control or influence.
Cultural Context
In many cultures, power is associated with leadership roles and social status. The way power is exercised and perceived can vary significantly, reflecting underlying cultural values regarding authority, hierarchy, and individual rights.
Memory Tip
Think of 'power' (权力) as having the 'key' (钥) to control things, or the 'strength' (力) to influence. The character '权' itself suggests control and authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“权力”指的是影响和控制他人的能力，常与职位或权威相关。“权利”则指法律或道德上允许个人做某事或拥有的权益。虽然发音相同，但意义完全不同。
权力的来源很多，包括合法的职位（如政府官员），非法的武力威胁，以及基于知识、财富、人脉或个人魅力的影响力。
在描述社会结构、组织管理或政治时，“权力”一词很常用。在个人层面，有时也用来指代个人的影响力或说服力，但不如“能力”或“影响力”普遍。
“权力”本身是一个中性词，但根据使用语境，它可以带有褒义（如“领导的权力”）、贬义（如“滥用权力”）或仅仅是描述性的意义。
Test Yourself
他利用自己的______，为亲信谋取了不当利益。
句意是利用职位或地位带来的影响力和控制力，因此“权力”最合适。
这位教授在学术界享有很高的______，他的观点总是被认真对待。
“权威”强调因专业知识和地位而受到的尊敬和信赖，符合句意。
“权力” + “的” + “腐蚀性” + “很大”
这是一个常见的表达，指权力容易使人变坏。
Score: /3
Summary
Power is the ability to influence actions, decisions, or outcomes, often tied to a position or authority.
- Ability to influence or control others.
- Often linked to position or authority.
- Can be political, organizational, or personal.
Understand Power Dynamics
Recognize how power operates in different situations, from workplaces to governments. Consider who holds power and how they use it.
Beware of Abuse of Power
The concept of power often comes with a warning about its potential for abuse. Be mindful of ethical considerations when discussing or wielding power.
Hierarchical Structures
Many East Asian cultures traditionally emphasize hierarchical structures where power is clearly defined by age, position, and social status.
Examples
4 of 4在公司里，经理拥有最终决定权，这是一种管理权力。
In the company, the manager has the final say, which is a form of management power.
政府必须谨慎行使其国家权力，以保障公民的福祉。
The government must exercise its national power cautiously to protect the welfare of its citizens.
别以为你有点小权力就可以为所欲为。
Don't think you can do whatever you want just because you have a little bit of power.
历史研究揭示了不同时期权力结构的变化及其对社会的影响。
Historical research reveals the changes in power structures across different periods and their impact on society.
Related Content
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More general words
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
大约
B1Used to show that a number or amount is not exact; approximately.
上边
A2above, on top
上面
A1on, above, over
