benevolence and strictness; kindness and authority
Refers to a balanced approach combining compassion and firmness, often in leadership or parenting contexts. Somewhat formal and not an everyday word.
The boss developed his subordinates through guidance that combined kindness and strictness.
恩威並び行うことが理想のリーダーシップだと言われる。
It is said that exercising both benevolence and authority is the ideal leadership.
Standard kanji spelling for this compound.
Compound of 恩 (grace, kindness) and 威 (authority, dignity). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the combination expresses the dual concept of benevolent authority.