Translation guide
How to express the idea of leveraging personal connections, authority, or social capital to achieve something in Japanese. The best choice depends on whether you are pulling strings, asking a favor, or using your position.
To get something done by leveraging personal relationships or behind-the-scenes influence.
Literally 'use connections'. Very common for using personal networks to get favors, jobs, or special treatment. Slightly casual.
He used his connections to get into that company.
More formal way to say 'use one's network of contacts'. Suitable for business or written contexts.
He used his network to get introduced to new business partners.
Means one's name or presence carries weight; one has influence in a particular place or with certain people. Often used in the form 顔が利く.
He has influence at that restaurant, so we can get in without a reservation.
To request that someone use their position or relationship to help you.
Literally 'have someone speak for you'. Used when asking someone to put in a good word or use their influence on your behalf.
I had an acquaintance put in a good word for me regarding a job.
A softer, more general way to say 'ask someone to act on your behalf'. Not limited to influence, but often used in such contexts.
To exert influence based on official power or status.
Directly 'use one's power/authority'. Can sound heavy-handed; often implies abuse of power if not careful.
He used his authority to silence the opposition.
Means 'use one's position/standing'. More neutral than 権力, can refer to any advantageous position.
Literally 'brandish one's authority'. Implies showing off power in an overbearing way. Negative nuance.
To affect outcomes without direct action, often through manipulation or subtle pressure.
The English phrase 'use one's influence' does not have a single direct equivalent. Translating it word-for-word as 影響を使う is unnatural. Choose the expression that matches the specific type of influence (connections, authority, behind-the-scenes manipulation).
I asked my boss to use his influence so I could join the project.
He used his position to gather information.
The boss threw his weight around and gave unreasonable orders.
He pulled strings behind the scenes to get a contract favorable to him.