权威 — meaning in English: authority

quánwēi · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for authority

该位

gāi wèi

州长

zhōuzhǎng

候选

hòuxuǎn

权威

quánwēi

一个月

yīgè yuè

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Mandarin Chinese for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

formal common

Usage

Native speakers often use 权威 (quánwēi) in discussions about government, academia, or any situation that involves expertise and credibility. For example, a journalist might refer to a scientific organization as having authority in climate research, or a student might mention a professor's authority when discussing their thesis topic.

Synonyms & nuances

While 权威 (quánwēi) specifically denotes a recognized authority or expertise, another synonym, 权力 (quánlì), refers more broadly to power or influence. Use 权威 when you need to highlight someone's credible position or expertise in a specific field, whereas 权力 emphasizes their ability to exert control or influence in a wider context.

Culture

The term 权威 (quánwēi) is rooted in the concepts of power and prestige, combining the character 权 (quán), meaning 'power' or 'authority,' with 威 (wēi), which translates to 'majesty' or 'imposing presence.' In Chinese culture, authority is often associated with respect and hierarchical relationships, and the concept has evolved to encompass both traditional forms of authority—like that of elders or officials—and modern institutions such as universities and research bodies.

FAQ

Q.What does 权威 mean in English?

权威 (quánwēi) translates to 'authority' in English, referring to someone or something that is respected and recognized for their expertise or influence in a particular field.

Q.How can I use 权威 in a sentence?

You can use 权威 in contexts such as '这位专家是这方面的权威' (Zhè wèi zhuānjiā shì zhè fāngmiàn de quánwēi), which means 'This expert is an authority in this field.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 权威?

A common mistake is to confuse 权威 (quánwēi) with 权力 (quánlì), as the latter pertains to power rather than authority. Ensure you're using 权威 when discussing expertise or recognized knowledge rather than general influence.

Learn mandarin chinese with Maspeak →

Chinese (Mandarin) 2000