权威

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quánwēi: 权威 - Authority, Authoritative

Quick Summary

  • Keywords: quánwēi, 权威, authority, authoritative, expert, power, official source, Chinese word for authority, authority in Chinese culture, HSK 5
  • Summary: Learn the essential Chinese word 权威 (quánwēi), which means authority or authoritative. This term is crucial for understanding Chinese culture, as it refers not just to official power but also to the deep respect given to experts and established knowledge. This guide will break down its meaning, cultural significance, and practical use with many example sentences, helping you grasp how to use and understand `权威` in real-world contexts, from news reports to academic discussions.

Core Meaning

  • Pinyin (with tone marks): quánwēi
  • Part of Speech: Noun, Adjective
  • HSK Level: HSK 5
  • Concise Definition: “Authority” or “authoritative”; the legitimate power or recognized expertise to influence, command, or be trusted.
  • In a Nutshell: `权威` is a strong, formal term that encapsulates the idea of respected power. Think of it in two main ways: 1) As a noun, it's “an authority” – a person, group, or publication that is a trusted expert (e.g., a leading scientist, a government agency). 2) As an adjective, it's “authoritative” – describing information or a statement that comes from a trusted, expert source. The feeling behind `权威` is one of legitimacy, respect, and reliability.

Character Breakdown

  • 权 (quán): This character means “power,” “right,” or “authority.” Think of its component 木 (mù), meaning “tree” or “wood,” as representing a standard or a scale for weighing things. This act of judging and balancing is a core part of exercising power and authority.
  • 威 (wēi): This character means “might,” “prestige,” or “inspiring awe.” It conveys a sense of power that commands respect, and sometimes even a little intimidation. It's the “wow factor” of power.
  • Together, 权威 (quánwēi) combines the concepts of legitimate power/right (权) with respected might/prestige (威). This creates a word that means more than just having a title; it signifies a deep, recognized, and influential form of authority that people naturally look up to and trust.

Cultural Context and Significance

  • In traditional Chinese culture, heavily influenced by Confucianism, there is a strong emphasis on social harmony, order, and respect for hierarchy. This includes showing deference to elders, teachers, scholars, and government officials. As a result, `权威` (quánwēi) often carries a more inherently positive or neutral connotation than the English word “authority” might in some Western cultures.
  • Comparison with Western “Authority”: In many Western, particularly American, contexts, a common cultural trope is to “question authority.” Authority can be viewed with skepticism and seen as something that must constantly prove its legitimacy. In China, while not blind or absolute, the default response to `权威` is often one of respect and trust. An expert's opinion or an official announcement is generally given more weight initially. `权威` is seen as a source of stability, knowledge, and guidance, rather than a force to be resisted.
  • This value is reflected in the media, where “authoritative sources” (权威来源) are frequently cited to lend credibility, and in daily life, where the words of a respected doctor or professor (an `权威`) are taken very seriously.

Practical Usage in Modern China

  • Formality: `权威` is a formal word. You would use it when discussing serious topics like science, news, politics, or academia. It's not typically used in very casual, informal chats with friends unless the topic itself is serious.
  • As a Noun (an authority / an expert):
    • Refers to a person: “他是心脏病学领域的权威。” (He is an authority in the field of cardiology.)
    • Refers to an institution: “世界卫生组织是公共卫生领域的最高权威。” (The WHO is the highest authority in the field of public health.)
  • As an Adjective (authoritative):
    • Modifies a noun: “这份报告很权威。” (This report is very authoritative.)
    • Used directly before a noun: “这是一个权威的说法。” (This is an authoritative statement.)

Example Sentences

  • Example 1:
    • 他是公认的经济学权威。
    • Pinyin: Tā shì gōngrèn de jīngjìxué quánwēi.
    • English: He is a recognized authority on economics.
    • Analysis: Here, `权威` is used as a noun to refer to a person who is a top expert. “公认的” (gōngrèn de) means “publicly recognized,” which reinforces the respected nature of his status.
  • Example 2:
    • 我们需要一份更权威的数据来支持我们的论点。
    • Pinyin: Wǒmen xūyào yī fèn gèng quánwēi de shùjù lái zhīchí wǒmen de lùndiǎn.
    • English: We need more authoritative data to support our argument.
    • Analysis: Here, `权威` is used as an adjective to describe “数据” (data). It means the data needs to come from a reliable, expert source.
  • Example 3:
    • 这家报纸的社论被认为相当有权威。
    • Pinyin: Zhè jiā bàozhǐ de shèlùn bèi rènwéi xiāngdāng yǒu quánwēi.
    • English: This newspaper's editorials are considered to be quite authoritative.
    • Analysis: The structure “有权威” (yǒu quánwēi) literally means “to have authority” and functions adjectivally. It's a common way to say something is authoritative or influential.
  • Example 4:
    • 作为父母，你需要树立自己的权威。
    • Pinyin: Zuòwéi fùmǔ, nǐ xūyào shùlì zìjǐ de quánwēi.
    • English: As a parent, you need to establish your own authority.
    • Analysis: This shows `权威` in a family context. “树立” (shùlì) means “to establish” or “to set up,” highlighting that authority is something that needs to be built and maintained.
  • Example 5:
    • 你不应该盲目相信所谓的权威。
    • Pinyin: Nǐ bù yìnggāi mángmù xiāngxìn suǒwèi de quánwēi.
    • English: You shouldn't blindly trust so-called “authorities.”
    • Analysis: This shows a more critical use of the term. “所谓的” (suǒwèi de) means “so-called,” casting doubt on whether the `权威` is legitimate. This demonstrates that authority can, and sometimes should, be questioned.
  • Example 6:
    • 据权威人士透露，新政策将于下月公布。
    • Pinyin: Jù quánwēi rénshì tòulù, xīn zhèngcè jiāng yú xià yuè gōngbù.
    • English: According to authoritative sources (lit: authoritative persons), the new policy will be announced next month.
    • Analysis: This is a very common phrase in Chinese journalism. “权威人士” (quánwēi rénshì) is the equivalent of “an authoritative source” or “a person with knowledge of the matter.”
  • Example 7:
    • 法官的判决具有法律权威。
    • Pinyin: Fǎguān de pànjué jùyǒu fǎlǜ quánwēi.
    • English: The judge's verdict has legal authority.
    • Analysis: `权威` is often paired with a domain, like “法律” (fǎlǜ - legal) or “学术” (xuéshù - academic), to specify the type of authority. “具有” (jùyǒu) is a formal word for “to have” or “to possess.”
  • Example 8:
    • 他在学术界的权威地位是不可动摇的。
    • Pinyin: Tā zài xuéshùjiè de quánwēi dìwèi shì bùkě dòngyáo de.
    • English: His authoritative status in the academic world is unshakable.
    • Analysis: This sentence combines `权威` with “地位” (dìwèi - status/position) to form “权威地位” (authoritative status), a common and strong collocation.
  • Example 9:
    • 你这是在挑战我的权威吗？
    • Pinyin: Nǐ zhè shì zài tiǎozhàn wǒ de quánwēi ma?
    • English: Are you challenging my authority?
    • Analysis: A direct and confrontational use of the word. “挑战” (tiǎozhàn) means “to challenge.” This would be said by someone in a position of power (a boss, a teacher, a parent) when they feel their position is being undermined.
  • Example 10:
    • 失去了民众的信任，政府的权威就会受到削弱。
    • Pinyin: Shīqùle mínzhòng de xìnrèn, zhèngfǔ de quánwēi jiù huì shòudào xuēruò.
    • English: Having lost the trust of the people, the government's authority will be weakened.
    • Analysis: This highlights that `权威` is not absolute; it relies on factors like trust (“信任” xìnrèn). “削弱” (xuēruò) means “to weaken” or “to erode.”

Nuances and Common Mistakes

  • `权威` (quánwēi) vs. `权力` (quánlì): This is a critical distinction.
    • `权威` (quánwēi) is authority based on respect, expertise, or legitimacy. It implies influence. A respected professor has `权威`. A trusted news source has `权威`.
    • `权力` (quánlì) is “power,” specifically the ability to control or command. It can be neutral or negative and doesn't necessarily imply respect. A traffic cop has the `权力` to give you a ticket. A dictator has `权力`.
    • Mistake: Don't use `权威` when you just mean raw power. Saying “这个暴君有很大的权威” (This tyrant has great authority) sounds strange. You should say “这个暴君有很大的权力” (This tyrant has great power).
  • False Friend: “Authoritarian”
    • In English, “authoritarian” has a strong negative meaning, implying a dictatorial and oppressive style of rule that demands blind obedience.
    • `权威` does not mean “authoritarian.” `权威` is usually positive or neutral, meaning “authoritative” or “an authority.”
    • Incorrect: 他是一个很权威的领导。 (This sounds like “He is a very authoritative leader,” which is a compliment in Chinese, but an English speaker might be trying to say “He is a very authoritarian leader.”)
    • Correct (for “authoritarian”): To express the negative concept of “authoritarian,” you should use words like `专制` (zhuānzhì) or `霸道` (bàdào). For example, “他是一个很专制的领导” (He is a very authoritarian/autocratic leader).

Related Terms and Concepts

  • 权力 (quánlì) - Power; the ability to command or control. Contrasts with `权威`, which is based on respect and legitimacy.
  • 专家 (zhuānjiā) - Expert. An expert is often a source of `权威` in their field.
  • 官方 (guānfāng) - Official; governmental. Information from an `官方` source is considered to be `权威`.
  • 威信 (wēixìn) - Prestige; reputation; public trust. `威信` is the social capital that underpins `权威`. High `威信` leads to strong `权威`.
  • 地位 (dìwèi) - Status; position. A person's high `地位` in an organization or society often grants them `权威`.
  • 有分量 (yǒu fènliàng) - Lit. “to have weight”; influential. A person whose words `有分量` is often considered an `权威`.
  • 专制 (zhuānzhì) - Autocratic; dictatorial. A negative term for a system that rules through `权力` (power), not `权威` (respected authority).
  • 信誉 (xìnyù) - Credibility; reputation. A source must have good `信誉` to be considered `权威`.