Translation and Meaning of: 権 - ken

The Japanese word 権 (けん, ken) is a fascinating term that carries deep meanings and varied uses in the language. Whether you are studying Japanese or simply curious about this expression, understanding its meaning, origin, and applications can be very helpful. In this article, we will explore everything from etymology to the cultural context in which 権 is used, along with practical memorization tips and everyday examples.

Meaning and use of 権 (けん)

The kanji 権 can be translated as "right", "power", or "authority", depending on the context in which it appears. It is often used in compound words that involve concepts of jurisdiction, control, or privileges. For example, 権利 (けんり, kenri) means "rights" and 権力 (けんりょく, kenryoku) refers to "political power".

In daily life, 権 does not usually appear alone, but rather as part of more complex terms. Its use is strongly linked to discussions about legislation, governance, and even interpersonal relationships. Being able to identify this kanji in different contexts can greatly enrich your Japanese vocabulary.

Origin and composition of the kanji 権

Etymologically, 権 is composed of the radical 木 (wood) and the component 雚, which used to represent a type of bird. This curious combination reflects the original idea of "counterweight" or "scale," later evolving into notions of balance of power. Sources like Kangorin and Kanjipedia confirm this semantic progression.

It is worth noting that 権 is one of the frequently used kanji in Japan, appearing in formal and informal texts. Its most common reading is けん (ken), but in some cases, it can be read as ごん (gon), especially in proper names or ancient expressions.

Tips for memorizing and using 権 correctly

An effective way to retain 権 in memory is to associate it with words you already know. For example, think of 人権 (じんけん, jinken) which means "human rights." Creating these mental connections helps retain not just the isolated kanji, but an entire related semantic field.

Another strategy is to practice with everyday sentences, such as 彼にはその権限がない (kare ni wa sono kengen ga nai - "He does not have the authority for that"). This type of concrete application shows how 権 works in real contexts, going beyond the simple memorization of characters.

Cultural context and importance of 権

In Japanese society, the concept behind 権 carries significant weight. The notion of rights and responsibilities is taken very seriously, especially in corporate and governmental environments. This is reflected in the frequent use of terms like 権限 (kengen - authorization) in official documents.

Interestingly, 権 also appears in discussions about balance and harmony, central values of Japanese culture. Even in modern contexts, the idea of "power" associated with this kanji often comes with the corresponding notion of duty, showing how the language reflects important aspects of the local mentality.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 権限 (kengen) - Authority or permission to act or make decisions.
• 権威 (ken'i) - Authority or prestige, usually in an academic or professional context.
• 権力 (kenryoku) - Power, especially in a political or social context.
• 権利 (kenri) - Law, which can be legal or moral.
• 権益 (ken'eki) - Interests or benefits that may be related to rights or authority.

権

Romaji: ken
Kana: けん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: authority; the right (to do something)

Meaning in English: authority;the right (to do something)

Definition: "Right" means permission or the right to perform a specific act or thing.

Example Sentences - (権) ken

See below some example sentences:

権限を持つ者は責任がある。

Ken'gen wo motsu mono wa sekinin ga aru

Those who have authority have responsibility.

Person in authority is responsible.

• 権限 (けんげん) - authority, power
• を - object particle
• 持つ (もつ) - possess, have
• 者 (しゃ) - Person, individual
• は - Topic particle
• 責任 (せきにん) - responsibility
• が - subject particle
• ある - exist, have

主導権を握る

shudouken wo nigiru

Take control.

Take the initiative

• 主導権 (shudouken) - leadership, control, mastery
• を (wo) - object particle
• 握る (nigiru) - grab, hold, control

野党は政権を批判する。

Yatou wa seiken wo hihan suru

The opposition criticizes the government.

The opposition criticizes the government.

• 野党 - opposition party
• は - Topic particle
• 政権 - government, administration
• を - direct object particle
• 批判する - criticize, condemn

自由は人間の基本的な権利です。

Jiyuu wa ningen no kihonteki na kenri desu

Freedom is a fundamental right of human beings.

Freedom is the basic right of humans.

• 自由 - freedom
• は - Topic particle
• 人間 - Human being
• の - Possession particle
• 基本的な - basic
• 権利 - right
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

死刑は人権侵害だと考えられています。

Shikei wa jinken shingai da to kangaerareteimasu

The death penalty is considered a violation of human rights.

The death penalty is considered a violation of human rights.

• 死刑 - Death penalty
• は - Topic particle
• 人権 - human rights
• 侵害 - violation
• だと - expression indicating an opinion or belief
• 考えられています - is considered

思考することは人間の特権です。

Shikou suru koto wa ningen no tokken desu

Thinking is a human privilege.

Thinking is a human privilege.

• 思考すること - thought/reflection
• は - Topic particle
• 人間 - Human being
• の - Possession particle
• 特権 - privilege
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

与党は政権を握っている。

Yotou wa seiken wo nigitte iru

The ruling party is in power.

The ruling party is maintaining the government.

• 与党 - ruling party
• は - Topic particle
• 政権 - government
• を - direct object particle
• 握っている - holding / controlling

同等の扱いを受ける権利がある。

Dōtō no atsukai o ukeru kenri ga aru

Everyone has the right to receive equal treatment.

There is a right to be treated equally.

• 同等の - means "equal" or "equivalent".
• 扱い - means "treatment" or "way of dealing with something or someone".
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 受ける - verb meaning "to receive".
• 権利 - means "right" or "privilege".
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• ある - Verb that means "to exist" or "to have".

平等は人間の基本的な権利です。

Heidou wa ningen no kihonteki na kenri desu

Equality is the basic law of humans.

• 平等 - equality
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 人間 - Human being
• の - Particle that indicates possession
• 基本的な - fundamental
• 権利 - right
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense

政権交代が起こった。

Seihen kōtai ga okotta

There was a change of government.

A change of government occurred.

• 政権交代 - change of government
• が - subject particle
• 起こった - occurred