Translation guide
The English word 'authorities' can refer to people in power, official organizations, or expert sources. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression depending on the context.
Referring to government agencies, the police, or other official institutions that have power.
The standard term for 'the authorities' in a formal or official sense, especially in news or legal contexts.
The authorities are continuing to investigate the incident.
Refers to the authorities, especially police or military, often with a nuance of state power. Can sound slightly old-fashioned or formal.
The authorities dispersed the demonstrators.
A colloquial and somewhat old-fashioned term for 'the authorities' or 'the government', often used with a sense of distance or mild resentment.
You can't go against what the authorities say.
Referring to people who are considered knowledgeable or official in a particular field.
A person who is an authority in a field; an expert whose opinion is respected.
He is an authority in this field.
A master or great expert, often used for someone with long-standing recognition in arts or academia.
A person with specialized knowledge; often used in contexts like advisory panels or expert committees.
Referring to those who have the right to give orders or make decisions.
While 権力者 (けんりょくしゃ) means 'powerful person', the plural form 権力者たち is not a natural way to say 'the authorities'. Use context-appropriate terms like 当局 or 上層部 instead.
彼は日本文学の大家として知られている。
He is known as an authority on Japanese literature.
A meeting of authorities (experts) was held.
Please call the person in authority.