Translation and Meaning of: 特権 - tokken

The Japanese word 特権 [とっけん] is a term that carries deep meanings and varied applications in everyday life in Japan. If you are looking to understand its meaning, translation, or how it is used culturally, this article will explore all of this clearly and directly. Moreover, we will look at how this word appears in social contexts and even tips for memorizing it easily.

In the Suki Nihongo dictionary, 特権 is defined as "privilege" or "special right," but its use goes beyond the literal meaning. It is present in discussions about hierarchy, exclusive benefits, and even in debates about equality. Here, we will unravel from its writing in kanji to practical examples that show how the Japanese use it in their daily lives.

Meaning and use of 特権 in Japanese

特権 is composed of two kanji: 特 (special) and 権 (right). Together, they create the idea of a "special right" or "privilege granted." Unlike words like 権利 (basic rights), 特権 is associated with exclusive advantages, often linked to social position, rank, or even birth.

In Japan, the term is often used in contexts such as companies (特権階級 - privileged class) or even in political discussions. A simple example is the phrase "彼は特権を持っている" (He has privileges), which can refer to someone with benefits not accessible to everyone. It is a word that, depending on the tone, can carry social criticism.

Origin and components of the kanji 特権

The etymology of 特権 dates back to classical Chinese, where 特 meant "unique" or "exceptional," while 権 represented "power" or "authority." Over time, the combination acquired the modern meaning of "privilege." The kanji 特, for example, is formed by the radical 牛 (ushi - cow) and 寺 (tera - temple), suggesting something "singular like a sacred cow."

The character 権 has the radical 木 (tree) and 雚 (to observe), originally associated with "to weigh" or "to measure" – hence the connection to "right" or "balanced authority". This composition helps to understand why 特権 is not merely a benefit, but something granted with certain weight or condition. Studying these radicals can be a great tip for memorizing the term.

privilege in Japanese culture and society

In Japan, 特権 is a concept that frequently appears in debates about equality. For example, the term 男性特権 (male privilege) is used to discuss unconscious social advantages. Similarly, 白人特権 (white privilege) comes up in conversations about diversity, showing how the word transcends language and reflects global issues.

On the other hand, there are neutral or positive uses, such as in 特権的 (privileged), which can describe access to elite education or rare opportunities. In animes and dramas, you might hear phrases like "特権を乱用するな" (Don't abuse your privileges), usually directed at characters who take advantage of their position. This dualism makes 特権 a word rich in layers of meaning.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 特典 (Tokuten) - Special benefit or reward.
• 特殊な権利 (Tokushu na Kenri) - Special rights that differ from common rights.
• 特別な権限 (Tokubetsu na Kenken) - Special power or authority granted to someone.
• 特別な特権 (Tokubetsu na Tokken) - Special privilege that provides exclusive advantages.
• 特権的な地位 (Tokkenteki na Chii) - Position that grants special privileges.
• 特権的地位 (Tokkenteki Chii) - Privileged position that provides certain benefits or rights.

特権

Romaji: tokken
Kana: とっけん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: privilege; special right

Meaning in English: privilege;special right

Definition: Mainly rights and preferential treatment that others do not have.

Example Sentences - (特権) tokken

See below some example sentences:

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