HSK 5, unknown, 6 strokes, radical 木, rank #1627, Hard
权
quán
expedient
HSK 5, unknown, 6 strokes, radical 木, rank #1627, Hard
quán(Quan2) T2
1authority
2power
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March 24, 2026
权(權)quán(Quan2)
权 (quán) refers to authority, power, or rights that an individual or institution possesses. It is commonly used in contexts discussing governance, legal rights, and personal influence. The character can also imply a sense of expediency or temporary measure in certain situations.
Strokes6Radical木Frequency#1627DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 权 is deeply intertwined with Confucian values, where authority and hierarchy play crucial roles in social organization. Understanding权 helps learners grasp discussions about governance and social relations in China.
Memory Tip
Think of 权 (quán) as a 'quaint' balance scale where the weight represents power and authority. The left side shows '权' balancing against responsibilities, reminding you that power must be managed wisely. This visual helps you remember both the form and meaning of the character.
Meanings of 权
quán(Quan2)
1authority
2power
Exercise 1 of 3
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 权
权Simplified
權Traditional
6Strokes
木Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#1627Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 权
Podcast: 权
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AI Study Notes for 权
Quick Contrast
权 (quán) vs 势 (shì) — use 权 for authority or rights, while 势 emphasizes influence or power derived from position.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 权 (quán) as a 'quaint' balance scale where the weight represents power and authority. The left side shows '权' balancing against responsibilities, reminding you that power must be managed wisely. This visual helps you remember both the form and meaning of the character.
Usage Notes
权 is often used in formal contexts, such as legal documents or political discussions. Common collocations include 权力 (quánlì, 'power') and 权益 (quányì, 'rights and interests'). Be cautious with the tone; it’s pronounced with a rising tone, which can change the meaning if mispronounced.
HSK Study Tips
Though 权 is not in the HSK list, it relates closely to HSK words like 力 (lì, 'strength') and 益 (yì, 'benefit'). Focus on its usage in phrases about power dynamics or decision-making to see how it connects to your existing vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 权 is deeply intertwined with Confucian values, where authority and hierarchy play crucial roles in social organization. Understanding权 helps learners grasp discussions about governance and social relations in China.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 权 with 牵 (qiān, 'to pull or lead'), leading to incorrect phrases like 权领导 (quán lǐngdǎo, which incorrectly suggests 'pulling leadership'). Instead, use 权力 (quánlì) to express 'power or authority.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 权
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Grammar Patterns of 权
权 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 7 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.
In Chinese culture, the concept of 权 is deeply intertwined with Confucian values, where authority and hierarchy play crucial roles in social organization. Understanding权 helps learners grasp discussions about governance and social relations in China.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, authority often emphasizes individual rights and legal frameworks, whereas in China, authority is frequently linked to social roles and collective responsibilities.
Word Family of 权
Words Containing This Character20
权quánpower權
权利quánlìpower權利
权力quánlìpower權力
股权equity shares股權
授权shòuquánto authorize授權
豁免权immunity from prosecution豁免權
权益quányìrights權益
权威quánwēiauthority權威
产权property right產權
政权zhèngquánregime政權
知识产权intellectual property rights (law)知識產權
特权tèquánprerogative特權
权限scope of authority權限
人权rénquánhuman rights人權
权证warrant (finance)權證
无权to have no right無權
弃权to forfeit棄權
版权copyright版權
监护权custody (of a child)監護權
所有权ownership所有權
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 权 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 权
Yes, 权 is used in several idioms, one of which is 权宜之计 (quányí zhī jì), meaning 'an expedient measure' or 'a temporary solution'. This idiom illustrates the use of 权 in contexts where temporary or practical decisions are made.
Some common phrases that include 权 are 权利 (quánlì) meaning 'rights' and 权衡 (quánhéng) meaning 'to weigh' or 'to balance'. These phrases are often used in discussions about law, governance, and decision-making.
You can use 权 in a sentence to express the concept of power or rights, such as in 权利 (quánlì), meaning 'rights' or 'entitlements'. For example, '每个人都有权利发声' (Měi gèrén dōu yǒu quánlì fāshēng) translates to 'Everyone has the right to speak.'
权 (quán) means 'power' or 'right' in Chinese and can refer to authority or the ability to influence decisions. It can also denote the act of weighing or assessing something in a literary context. Additionally, 权 is used as a surname in Chinese culture.
You can say 权力在于人民 (quánlì zài yú rénmín), meaning 'Power lies with the people.'
权 refers specifically to authority and rights, while 力 focuses on strength or force.
Yes, but it is more commonly found in formal discussions about politics and rights.
