quánlì: 权力 - Power, Authority

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• Summary: Discover the deep meaning of 权力 (quánlì), the primary Chinese word for “power” and “authority.” This guide goes beyond a simple translation, exploring the cultural significance of 权力 in politics and society, its practical use in modern China, and how it differs from the Western concept of “power.” Ideal for learners who want to understand the crucial role of hierarchy and authority in Chinese culture.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): quánlì
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: Power, authority, jurisdiction; the ability to command or influence based on a formal position.
• In a Nutshell: 权力 (quánlì) refers to formal, structural power, the kind held by a government, a CEO, or an institution. Unlike the broad English word “power” (which can mean personal strength or even “the power of love”), 权力 is almost always about the authority granted by a title or position within a hierarchy. It's a serious and significant term, central to understanding social and political structures in China.

• 权 (quán): This character originally referred to the sliding weight on a steelyard scale, used for measuring. This idea of “weighing” and “balancing” evolved to mean “authority,” “right,” or the power to “weigh in” on important matters. It carries a sense of legitimacy.
• 力 (lì): This is a simple and ancient pictograph of a muscular arm or a plow, meaning “strength,” “force,” or “ability.”
• Together, 权力 (quánlì) combines “legitimate authority” (权) with “strength/force” (力). It creates the concept of “the force of one's authority” or “the strength of one's position,” making it a much more formal and potent term than just “strength” (力量) alone.

In Chinese culture, 权力 (quánlì) is a concept that is viewed with a mixture of respect and caution. It is deeply embedded in a social fabric that has historically valued clear hierarchies and collective order. A key difference from the West is that 权力 is more closely tied to one's position and responsibilities than to individual charisma or ambition. In traditional Confucian thought, a ruler's power was justified by the “Mandate of Heaven” (天命, Tiānmìng), which was conditional on them ruling justly and for the good of the people. This idea that power comes with immense responsibility, and can be lost if misused, still subtly influences modern perceptions. While Western culture often celebrates “personal power” and “empowerment” as aspirational goals for an individual, discussing 权力 in China is often more serious. It can be seen as a tool for maintaining social harmony and order, but also as a source of potential corruption (权力导致腐败, quánlì dǎozhì fǔbài - “power leads to corruption” is a common phrase). The focus is less on gaining power for oneself and more on how power is wielded within the existing structure.

权力 is a formal term primarily used in contexts of politics, business, law, and social commentary. You would not use it in casual conversation about everyday matters.

• In Politics and News: This is the most common context. It's used to discuss government authority, international relations, and political events. Phrases like “power struggle” (权力斗争) and “abuse of power” (滥用权力) are standard.
• In Business and the Workplace: It refers to the formal authority of a manager or executive. It describes who has the jurisdiction to make decisions, hire/fire, and allocate resources.
• Connotation: The connotation of 权力 is often neutral-to-negative. While it can simply be a neutral descriptor of authority, it frequently appears in discussions about its limits, dangers, and potential for misuse. It is rarely spoken of in a purely positive or celebratory light.

• Example 1:
  • 总统拥有很大的权力来影响国家政策。
  • Pinyin: Zǒngtǒng yōngyǒu hěn dà de quánlì lái yǐngxiǎng guójiā zhèngcè.
  • English: The president possesses great power to influence national policy.
  • Analysis: A straightforward, neutral use of 权力 to describe the formal authority of a political office.
• Example 2:
  • 我们必须防止官员滥用权力。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen bìxū fángzhǐ guānyuán lànyòng quánlì.
  • English: We must prevent officials from abusing their power.
  • Analysis: This example shows the common negative collocation “滥用权力” (lànyòng quánlì), highlighting the cautionary aspect of the word.
• Example 3:
  • 这家公司内部正在进行一场权力斗争。
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiā gōngsī nèibù zhèngzài jìnxíng yī chǎng quánlì dòuzhēng.
  • English: There is a power struggle going on inside this company.
  • Analysis: “权力斗争” (quánlì dòuzhēng) is a set phrase referring to conflict over control and authority within an organization.
• Example 4:
  • 作为经理，他有解雇员工的权力。
  • Pinyin: Zuòwéi jīnglǐ, tā yǒu jiěgù yuángōng de quánlì.
  • English: As a manager, he has the authority to fire employees.
  • Analysis: This sentence clearly illustrates 权力 as job-specific authority or jurisdiction. Note the difference from 权利 (quánlì - rights). He doesn't have the “right” to fire people, but the “authority.”
• Example 5:
  • 权力的交接必须平稳顺利。
  • Pinyin: Quánlì de jiāojiē bìxū píngwěn shùnlì.
  • English: The transfer of power must be smooth and orderly.
  • Analysis: This shows 权力 as a transferable commodity, often used in the context of political or corporate succession.
• Example 6:
  • 绝对的权力导致绝对的腐败。
  • Pinyin: Juéduì de quánlì dǎozhì juéduì de fǔbài.
  • English: Absolute power leads to absolute corruption.
  • Analysis: This is a direct translation of the famous quote by Lord Acton, which is also a well-known saying in China, demonstrating the universal concerns associated with 权力.
• Example 7:
  • 你没有权力对我指手画脚！
  • Pinyin: Nǐ méiyǒu quánlì duì wǒ zhǐshǒuhuàjiǎo!
  • English: You don't have the authority to boss me around!
  • Analysis: A more emotional and confrontational use. The speaker is challenging the other person's formal or perceived authority over them.
• Example 8:
  • 为了制衡权力，现代国家通常实行三权分立。
  • Pinyin: Wèile zhìhéng quánlì, xiàndài guójiā tōngcháng shíxíng sān quán fēnlì.
  • English: In order to balance power, modern countries often implement the separation of powers.
  • Analysis: A sophisticated sentence about political theory, where 权力 is the central concept being controlled and balanced.
• Example 9:
  • 他放弃了权力，选择过一种简单的生活。
  • Pinyin: Tā fàngqìle quánlì, xuǎnzéguò yī zhǒng jiǎndān de shēnghuó.
  • English: He gave up power and chose to live a simple life.
  • Analysis: This treats 权力 as something one can possess and relinquish, often associated with a high-stress, high-responsibility position.
• Example 10:
  • 知识就是权力吗？在中国，很多人会说关系才是。
  • Pinyin: Zhīshì jiùshì quánlì ma? Zài zhōngguó, hěnduō rén huì shuō guānxì cái shì.
  • English: Is knowledge power? In China, many people would say “guanxi” (connections) is.
  • Analysis: This example plays on the Western phrase “knowledge is power” to draw a cultural comparison, contrasting the formal concept of 权力 with the informal influence of 关系 (guānxi).

• 权力 (quánlì) vs. 力量 (lìliàng): This is a critical distinction.
  • 权力 (quánlì) is authority or jurisdiction. It's about your position.
  • 力量 (lìliàng) is strength or force, physical or abstract. It's about your capability.
  • Incorrect: 他有很大的权力能举起这块石头。(Tā yǒu hěn dà de quánlì néng jǔqǐ zhè kuài shítou.) → “He has great authority to be able to lift this rock.” (Nonsense)
  • Correct: 他有很大的力量能举起这块石头。(Tā yǒu hěn dà de lìliàng néng jǔqǐ zhè kuài shítou.) → “He has great strength to be able to lift this rock.”
  • Also Correct: 爱有强大的力量。(Ài yǒu qiángdà de lìliàng.) → “Love has great power/strength.” You would never use 权力 here.
• 权力 (quánlì) vs. 权利 (quánlì): This is a huge pitfall for learners, as they sound identical but have different tones and meanings.
  • 权力 (quánlì - 2nd tone, 4th tone): Power/Authority. Something held by a person in charge.
  • 权利 (quánlì - 2nd tone, 4th tone): Rights. Something every person is entitled to (e.g., 人权, rénquán - human rights).
  • Example: 经理有管理公司的权力 (Jīnglǐ yǒu guǎnlǐ gōngsī de quánlì - The manager has the authority to run the company), but 员工有休息的权利 (yuángōng yǒu xiūxí de quánlì - The employees have the right to rest).

• 权利 (quánlì) - !!CRITICAL DISTINCTION!! Means “rights” (as in human rights), not “power.” Pronounced identically to 权力 but uses a different second character.
• 力量 (lìliàng) - “Strength,” “force.” The raw ability or energy behind something, as opposed to the formal authority of 权力.
• 权威 (quánwēi) - “Authority,” but specifically the kind that comes from recognized expertise, knowledge, or prestige. An expert has 权威.
• 势力 (shìli) - “Influence,” “sphere of influence,” or “force.” Often refers to a group or faction's power (e.g., a gang's influence in a neighborhood). It's less formal and legitimate than 权力.
• 职权 (zhíquán) - “Authority of office.” Power that comes specifically from one's job title or position (a combination of 职位-position and 权力-power).
• 政权 (zhèngquán) - “Regime,” “political power.” The power held by a state or government.
• 权力斗争 (quánlì dòuzhēng) - A common collocation meaning “power struggle.”
• 滥用权力 (lànyòng quánlì) - A common collocation meaning “abuse of power.”