1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “権” (ken) primarily means “authority” or “power.” It represents the concept of having the right or control over something, often in a legal or formal context.
2. Origin and Radicals
The kanji “権” is a compound character, formed by combining the radical “木” (tree) and the character “權” (which also means authority or power). The presence of the “木” radical suggests a connection to something that is established or rooted, much like a tree.
The character “権” is classified as a 形声文字 (phono-semantic compound), where the left part indicates meaning (the tree) and the right part provides the phonetic component.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “権” are:
- 権利 (kenri) – rights
- 権限 (kengen) – authority
- 権力 (kenryoku) – power
Example sentences in daily conversation:
- 彼はそのプロジェクトに対する権限を持っています。
(He has the authority over that project.) - 私たちは自分の権利を守る必要があります。
(We need to protect our rights.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 権利 (kenri) – rights (focuses on entitlements)
- 権力 (kenryoku) – power (emphasizes influence and control)
Antonyms include:
- 無権 (muken) – lack of authority
- 無力 (muryoku) – powerlessness
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The concept of “権” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, often associated with social hierarchy and governance. It reflects the importance of authority in various aspects of life, including family, work, and society.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions that include “権” are:
- 権力は腐敗する (Kenryoku wa fuhai suru) – Power corrupts.
- 権利を主張する (Kenri o shuchō suru) – To assert one’s rights.