Translation guide
How to express the act of using one's official power or position to make decisions, give orders, or enforce rules.
The speaker wants to describe someone formally using their authority to do something, often in a workplace or official context.
A direct and formal phrase meaning 'to exercise authority'. Suitable for legal, business, or official contexts.
上司はその決定に権限を行使した。
The boss exercised his authority over that decision.
Literally 'to wield power'. Implies a more forceful or even arbitrary use of authority. Can have a negative nuance.
彼は社長として権力を振るっている。
He wields his authority as the company president.
Specifically refers to exercising one's official duties or powers. Common in legal and administrative contexts.
警察官は職権を行使して捜査を行った。
The police officer exercised his authority to conduct the investigation.
The speaker wants to emphasize that someone is taking action because they have the right to do so, often in a situation where others might hesitate.
A straightforward way to say 'do something by one's authority'. Less formal than 行使する.
これは私の権限で行ったことです。
I did this by exercising my authority.
A more casual, spoken way to say 'I do it because I have the authority'. Emphasizes the reason for acting.
権限があるからやっただけだ。
I just did it because I have the authority.
The speaker wants to convey that someone is using their authority excessively, arrogantly, or to intimidate others.
An idiomatic expression meaning 'to hide behind one's authority' or 'to throw one's weight around'. Always negative.
彼は権力を笠に着て、部下に無理な要求をした。
He exercised his authority by making unreasonable demands of his subordinates.
Means 'to throw one's weight around' or 'to act bossy'. Focuses on the arrogant behavior rather than the authority itself.
権限 (けんげん) refers to the legitimate authority or competence granted to a person by their position or law. 権力 (けんりょく) refers to power in a broader sense, often implying the ability to influence or control others, which may or may not be legitimate. When translating 'exercise one's authority', 権限 is more neutral and official, while 権力 can carry a nuance of force or dominance.
市長はその権限で条例を制定した。
The mayor exercised his authority to enact the ordinance.
独裁者は絶対的な権力を行使した。
The dictator exercised absolute power.
The English verb 'exercise' in this context does not translate to 運動する (to do physical exercise). Always use verbs like 行使する (to exercise, to invoke) or 振るう (to wield) when talking about authority or rights.
The English verb 'exercise' in this context does not translate to 運動する (to do physical exercise). Always use verbs like 行使する (to exercise, to invoke) or 振るう (to wield) when talking about authority or rights.
新しい部長はすぐに威張り散らし始めた。
The new department head immediately started exercising his authority in an overbearing way.