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权力 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
权力
quánlì
power
HSK 6, n, 8 strokes, rank #2174, Hard
权力
quánlì
authority
HSK 6, n, 8 strokes, rank #2174, Hard
quánlì(quan2li4)quan li T2
1power
2authority
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March 24, 2026
权力(權力)quánlì(quan2li4)
权力 (quánlì) refers to the ability or capacity to influence or control others, often associated with positions of authority or governance. It can denote both formal power held in institutions, such as government or organizations, and personal power derived from social influence. The term is commonly used in political discussions and analyses of social dynamics.
Strokes8Frequency#2174DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 权力 is deeply tied to Confucian values, where authority and hierarchy play significant roles in social relationships. The balance of power is often reflected in family structures and business practices, emphasizing respect for authority figures.
Memory tip
Think of 权 (quán) as a 'scale' tipping in favor of someone, representing control, and 力 (lì) as 'strength' or 'force.' Together, they symbolize the 'strength to control' or 'power,' making it easier to remember that 权力 is about authority over others.
Meanings of 权力
quánlì(quan2li4)
1power
2authority
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 权力
权力Simplified
權力Traditional
8Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2174Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 权力
Podcast: 权力
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AI study notes for 权力
Quick Contrast
权威 (quánwēi) refers to authority or prestige that commands respect, while 权力 (quánlì) emphasizes the actual power to influence or control.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 权力 with 力量 (lìliàng), which means 'strength' or 'force' but does not imply authority. The term is used in both formal and informal contexts but is more common in discussions about governance, politics, and social hierarchies. Also, avoid using it in a casual context where 'influence' may be more appropriate.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 权力 connects well with other terms related to governance and authority, such as 政府 (zhèngfǔ, government) and 领导 (lǐngdǎo, leadership). Focus on understanding how 权力 interacts with these concepts in sentences to grasp its nuanced usage.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 权力 with 资格 (zīgé), which means 'qualification' or 'eligibility.' For example, saying '他没有资格做这个工作' (He doesn't have the power to do this job) is incorrect; instead, use 权力 to discuss authority: '他没有权力做这个工作.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 权力
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权力 (quánlì) refers to the ability or capacity to influence or control others, often associated with positions of authority or governance. It can denote both formal power held in institutions, such as government or organizations, and personal power derived from social influence. The term is commonly used in political discussions and analyses of social dynamics.
When to use 权力
Be careful not to confuse 权力 with 力量 (lìliàng), which means 'strength' or 'force' but does not imply authority. The term is used in both formal and informal contexts but is more common in discussions about governance, politics, and social hierarchies. Also, avoid using it in a casual context where 'influence' may be more appropriate.
权力 or something close to it
权威 (quánwēi) refers to authority or prestige that commands respect, while 权力 (quánlì) emphasizes the actual power to influence or control.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 权力 with 资格 (zīgé), which means 'qualification' or 'eligibility.' For example, saying '他没有资格做这个工作' (He doesn't have the power to do this job) is incorrect; instead, use 权力 to discuss authority: '他没有权力做这个工作.'
Write 权力
权
力
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Grammar patterns of 权力
权力 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
这条规定赋予了总统绝对及不受约束的____。
This provision gives the president total and unchecked power.
Example sentences for 权力 (16)
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1
这条规定赋予了总统绝对及不受约束的权力。
zhè tiáo guīdìng fùyǔ le zǒngtǒng juéduì jí bù shòu yuēshù de quánlì。
This provision gives the president total and unchecked power.
2
这是权力显赫的波城领主的故居。
zhè shì quánlì xiǎnhè de Bō chéng lǐng zhǔ de gù jī。
It was the home of the powerful lords of Baux.
3
他一本正经地宣称“国际政治是一场权力之争”。
tā yī běn zhèngjing dì xuānchēng“ guójì zhèngzhì shì yī chǎng quánlì zhī zhēng”。
He grandly declared that "international politics is a struggle for power".
Excessive concentration of power often leads to corruption and social injustice.
16
她在组织中的权力逐渐增加，成为了一个不可忽视的领导者。
Tā zài zǔzhī zhōng de quánlì zhújiàn zēngjiā, chéngwéile yīgè bùkě hūshì de lǐngdǎozhě.
Her power in the organization gradually increased, making her an influential leader.
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Cultural Notes for 权力
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
While both Western and Chinese cultures recognize the importance of power, Western societies often emphasize individual rights and democratic processes, whereas Chinese culture may prioritize collective harmony and respect for authority.
Frequently asked questions about 权力
No, while it is commonly used in politics, 权力 can also refer to authority in business and social relationships.
It is pronounced as 'quánlì' with the first syllable in the second tone and the second syllable in the fourth tone.
Yes, 权力 can be viewed positively when it refers to the responsible use of authority to achieve beneficial outcomes.
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