Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
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.
Frequency#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
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 权力
权力Simplified
權力Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2174Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 权力
Podcast: 权力
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
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.
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 权力 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 权力 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
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
Complete the Sentence
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 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
这条规定赋予了总统绝对及不受约束的权力。
zhè tiáo guī dìng fù yú le zǒng tǒng jué duì jí bù shòu yuē shù de quán lì。
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 quán lì xiǎn hè de bō chéng lǐng zhǔ de gù jū。
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 zhèng jīng dì xuān chēng“ “ guó jì zhèng zhì shì yī cháng quán lì zhī”。
He grandly declared that "international politics is a struggle for power".
Jackson had been a major power-broker in the 1988 Presidential elections.
Cultural Notes for 权力
🏮Cultural insight
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.
🌏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.
