Translation guide
The English word "influence" covers a wide range of meanings, from the power to affect people or events, to the effect itself, to the act of exerting influence. Japanese uses different words depending on whether you mean social/political power, a subtle effect, a bad influence, or the act of influencing someone.
The ability to shape decisions, opinions, or outcomes, often through authority, connections, or persuasion.
The most direct and common translation for "influence" as a noun meaning power or sway. Used in politics, business, and social contexts.
He has a lot of influence in political circles.
The influence of social media cannot be ignored.
Refers to influence backed by power, strength, or a faction. Often used for political, military, or organizational clout.
That party expanded its influence in the Diet.
Refers to personal connections or network as a source of influence. Often used in business contexts.
He used his wide-ranging influence (connections) to make the project a success.
The result or consequence of an action, event, or factor on someone or something.
The most common word for "influence" as an effect or impact. Can be positive or negative. Used with 与える (to exert) or 受ける (to receive).
The weather had a big influence on the crops.
Refers to a physical, chemical, or mechanical effect. Often used in scientific or technical contexts.
A negative effect that leads someone astray or causes harm, often morally or behaviorally.
Literally "bad influence." The standard way to express a negative influence or harmful effect.
Violent games are said to have a bad influence on children.
A more casual way to say "bad influence," using 悪い (bad) + 影響 (influence).
Literally "poison," used metaphorically for a corrupting or harmful influence, especially in set phrases.
A person, factor, or force that shapes events or behavior.
A descriptive phrase: "a person/thing that exerts influence." Natural when you need to specify the agent.
He is one of the people who had the greatest influence on my life.
Affected by alcohol or drugs, often implying intoxication.
Literally "with the momentum of alcohol," meaning acting under the influence of alcohol, often to excuse behavior.
I confessed my feelings under the influence of alcohol.
Similar to 酒の勢いで, but more directly "under the influence of being drunk."
Simply "drunk on alcohol," used to describe being under the influence.
He acted violently under the influence of alcohol.
Formal phrase for "under the influence of drugs." Used in legal or medical contexts.
The act of affecting or shaping someone or something.
The most common way to say "to influence" or "to have an influence on." 与える means "to give."
His opinion influenced my decision.
A more formal version of 影響を与える, often used in writing or speeches.
Means "to sway" or "to influence" a decision or outcome, often implying control or determination.
Public opinion influences the election results.
To influence someone's character or thinking, often in a positive, inspirational way. Less common than 影響を与える.
影響 (eikyō) is the general word for "influence" as an effect or impact. 影響力 (eikyōryoku) specifically means "influential power" or "clout." Use 影響力 when emphasizing the ability to influence, and 影響 when referring to the effect itself.
He has influence (power). (We don't usually say 彼は影響がある for this meaning.)
While 悪い影響 (warui eikyō) is fine for "bad influence" as an effect, 悪い影響力 sounds unnatural for a person who is a bad influence. Instead, use phrases like 悪影響を与える人 or simply 悪い影響を与える.
He is a friend who is a bad influence.
She used her influence to get the job.
The teacher had a positive influence on the students.
Don't drive under the influence of alcohol.
Japanese often uses the specific term 飲酒運転 (drunk driving) rather than a direct translation of 'under the influence.'
I became a doctor under my parents' influence.
This medicine acts on (influences) the nerves.
That friend is a bad influence on him.
Bad books are poison for the mind (a bad influence).
Loanword for "influencer," specifically a social media influencer. Very common in modern Japanese.
She is a famous beauty influencer.
I said unnecessary things under the influence of alcohol.
He was arrested under the influence of drugs.
The policy had a great influence on the economy.
Influenced by his way of life, I also started volunteering.