Translation guide
The English word "authority" covers several distinct concepts: official power, an expert, a governing body, and a sense of confidence. This guide breaks down these meanings and provides natural Japanese equivalents for each.
The official power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.
Refers to the scope of authority or power delegated to a person or position. Commonly used in legal, business, and administrative contexts.
その決定をする権限は私にはありません。
I don't have the authority to make that decision.
彼は予算を承認する権限を持っている。
He has the authority to approve the budget.
Emphasizes the power or influence to control people or events, often in political or social contexts. Can carry a nuance of force or dominance.
政府はその地域で絶対的な権力を持っている。
The government holds absolute authority in that region.
彼は権力を乱用した。
He abused his authority.
Specifically means the right to rule or control, often over a territory or organization. More formal and less common in everyday speech.
その島の支配権をめぐって争いが起きた。
A dispute arose over authority over the island.
A person with extensive knowledge or recognized expertise in a particular field.
Refers to a person who is an acknowledged expert or a source of reliable information. Often used in academic or professional contexts.
彼はその分野の権威です。
He is an authority on the subject.
この本は権威ある情報源として知られている。
This book is known as an authoritative source.
Means a master or leading figure in a field, especially in arts, literature, or traditional disciplines. Conveys great respect.
A general term for specialist or expert. Less formal than 権威 but widely used.
A group or organization that has official power or control in a particular area.
Refers to the relevant authorities or officials, often used in news or formal contexts. Can be singular or plural.
地元当局が調査を始めた。
The local authorities have started an investigation.
税務当局に問い合わせてください。
Please contact the tax authority.
A general term for an organization, agency, or institution. Often combined with other words to specify the type.
A suffix meaning agency or office, used in official names like 気象庁 (Meteorological Agency). Not used alone.
気象庁は警報を発令した。
The meteorological authority issued a warning.
A quality of being confident, commanding respect, or speaking with knowledge.
Refers to dignity, majesty, or an air of authority that commands respect. Often used for personal presence.
彼は威厳をもって話した。
He spoke with authority.
Describes a confident, imposing manner. Literally 'magnificent attitude'.
彼女は堂々とした態度で会議に臨んだ。
She approached the meeting with an air of authority.
Literally 'a way of speaking full of confidence'. Used when authority comes from self-assurance.
彼の自信に満ちた話し方は聴衆を説得した。
His authoritative manner of speaking convinced the audience.
権限 (けんげん) refers to the scope of authority granted to a role, often within an organization. 権力 (けんりょく) is broader, implying power or influence, sometimes with a political or coercive nuance. Use 権限 for delegated authority and 権力 for overarching power.
マネージャーには採用の権限がある。
The manager has the authority to hire.
独裁者は絶対的な権力を握っている。
The dictator holds absolute authority.
When referring to an expert, do not directly translate 'authority' as 権威 in casual conversation; it can sound overly formal. Use 専門家 (せんもんか) or describe their expertise instead.
彼はコンピューターの専門家です。
He's an authority on computers. (natural)
He is an authority on tea ceremony.
その問題については専門家に聞いたほうがいい。
You should ask an authority on that issue.
The regulatory authority announced new rules.