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.
彼は政界に大きな影響力を持っている。
He has a lot of influence in political circles.
SNSの影響力は無視できない。
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.
その政党は国会で勢力を拡大した。
That party expanded its influence in the Diet.
Refers to personal connections or network as a source of influence. Often used in business contexts.
彼は幅広い人脈を活かしてプロジェクトを成功させた。
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).
天候が農作物に大きな影響を与えた。
The weather had a big influence on the crops.
親の影響を受けて医者になった。
I became a doctor under my parents' influence.
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.
暴力的なゲームは子供に悪影響を与えると言われている。
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).
あの友達は彼に悪い影響を与えている。
That friend is a bad influence on him.
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.
彼は私の人生に最も影響を与えた人の一人だ。
He is one of the people who had the greatest influence on my life.
Loanword for "influencer," specifically a social media influencer. Very common in modern Japanese.
彼女は有名な美容インフルエンサーだ。
She is a famous beauty influencer.
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.
酒の勢いで告白してしまった。
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."
酔った勢いで余計なことを言った。
I said unnecessary things under the influence of alcohol.
Simply "drunk on alcohol," used to describe being under the influence.
彼は酒に酔って暴れた。
He acted violently under the influence of alcohol.
Formal phrase for "under the influence of drugs." Used in legal or medical contexts.
彼は薬物の影響下で逮捕された。
He was arrested under the influence of drugs.
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."
彼の意見は私の決断に影響を与えた。
His opinion influenced my decision.
A more formal version of 影響を与える, often used in writing or speeches.
その政策は経済に大きな影響を及ぼした。
The policy had a great influence on the economy.
Means "to sway" or "to influence" a decision or outcome, often implying control or determination.
世論が選挙結果を左右する。
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.
彼の生き方に感化されて、私もボランティアを始めた。
Influenced by his way of life, I also started volunteering.
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.
彼は影響力がある。（彼は影響があるとはあまり言わない）
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.
彼は悪い影響を与える友達だ。
He is a friend who is a bad influence.
彼女は自分の影響力を使ってその仕事を得た。
She used her influence to get the job.
その先生は生徒たちに良い影響を与えた。
The teacher had a positive influence on the students.
飲酒運転は絶対にしないでください。
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.'
This medicine acts on (influences) the nerves.
Bad books are poison for the mind (a bad influence).