権利を主張する
assert one's rights
Literalmente: kenri (right) + o (object marker) + shuchō suru (to assert/insist)
Use this phrase when you need to firmly demand what is legally or rightfully yours.
En 15 segundos
- Standing up for your legal or moral entitlements firmly.
- Best used in professional, legal, or serious consumer disputes.
- Can sound confrontational because it breaks traditional social harmony.
Significado
It is about standing up for yourself and demanding what you are legally or morally entitled to. Think of it as saying 'I deserve this, and I am not backing down.'
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6In a meeting with a boss about unpaid work
労働者として、残業代を請求する権利を主張します。
As a worker, I assert my right to claim overtime pay.
A humorous argument over the last slice of pizza
最後にこのピザを食べる権利を主張するよ！
I assert my right to eat this last piece of pizza!
Texting a roommate who keeps entering your room
私のプライバシーの権利を主張させてもらうね。
I'm going to have to assert my right to privacy.
Contexto cultural
In Japan, the concept of 'rights' (kenri) was actually a translated term introduced during the Meiji era. Before that, the focus was more on 'duty' and 'social role.' Today, while still a harmony-focused society, asserting one's rights is increasingly seen as a necessary part of navigating modern work and legal systems.
The 'Soft' Assert
If you want to assert your rights without being too aggressive, use the phrase 'Kenri ga aru to omoimasu' (I believe I have the right). It's less of a hammer and more of a nudge.
Harmony vs. Rights
In traditional Japanese offices, jumping straight to 'asserting rights' can label you as 'difficult.' Try to discuss the issue informally first before breaking out this heavy phrase.
En 15 segundos
- Standing up for your legal or moral entitlements firmly.
- Best used in professional, legal, or serious consumer disputes.
- Can sound confrontational because it breaks traditional social harmony.
What It Means
権利を主張する is a powerful phrase. It means you are vocalizing your entitlements. You aren't just asking nicely. You are making a firm stand. In English, we say 'asserting your rights.' It implies there might be some resistance. You use it when you feel something is being taken away. Or when someone isn't giving you what you deserve. It’s a phrase with weight and gravity.
How To Use It
You combine the noun 権利 (right) with the verb 主張する (to assert). Usually, you'll see it in the form [Person] が [Right] を主張する. If you are at work, you might say 残業代をもらう権利を主張する. This means you are demanding your overtime pay. It sounds very direct. In Japanese, directness often equals seriousness. Use it when you want to be taken seriously.
When To Use It
Use this in professional or legal settings. It fits perfectly in a meeting with HR. It works well when dealing with a difficult landlord. You can also use it in consumer disputes. If a store refuses a valid refund, you use this. It’s for moments when 'polite' isn't cutting it anymore. You are drawing a line in the sand.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in casual, friendly favors. If a friend forgets to buy you a coffee, don't say this. It sounds like you are preparing for a lawsuit! It's too heavy for small social slip-ups. Using it with family can also feel very cold. Unless you are arguing over a massive inheritance, keep it light. Don't use it if you want to maintain a 'soft' atmosphere.
Cultural Background
Japan is famous for 和 (wa) or harmony. Traditionally, people avoided 権利を主張する to keep the peace. Asserting rights was sometimes seen as being selfish or 'troublesome.' However, modern Japan is changing. People are more aware of labor laws and individual rights. Using this phrase shows you are modern and firm. It signals that you know your worth. Just be aware it can still feel 'confrontational' to older generations.
Common Variations
You will often hear 正当な権利を主張する. This means asserting your 'legitimate' or 'rightful' rights. It adds an extra layer of 'I am legally correct.' Another one is 当然の権利. This translates to 'a natural right' or 'a given right.' It implies that the right is so obvious it shouldn't even be questioned. If you want to sound a bit softer, you might say 権利があると思います (I think I have the right). But if you want the full impact, stick to 主張する.
Notas de uso
This is a formal collocation. While grammatically simple, its social impact is heavy. Use it when you are prepared for a serious discussion or a potential conflict.
The 'Soft' Assert
If you want to assert your rights without being too aggressive, use the phrase 'Kenri ga aru to omoimasu' (I believe I have the right). It's less of a hammer and more of a nudge.
Harmony vs. Rights
In traditional Japanese offices, jumping straight to 'asserting rights' can label you as 'difficult.' Try to discuss the issue informally first before breaking out this heavy phrase.
The Kanji Secret
The kanji for 'Kenri' (権利) literally means 'Power and Profit/Interest.' It shows that rights are seen as a form of power you hold over your own interests.
Ejemplos
6労働者として、残業代を請求する権利を主張します。
As a worker, I assert my right to claim overtime pay.
Very firm and professional. Shows you know labor laws.
最後にこのピザを食べる権利を主張するよ！
I assert my right to eat this last piece of pizza!
Using a heavy phrase for a silly thing creates a funny contrast.
私のプライバシーの権利を主張させてもらうね。
I'm going to have to assert my right to privacy.
A bit cold for a roommate, but effective if they aren't listening.
消費者として、返品の権利を主張したいです。
As a consumer, I want to assert my right to a return.
Polite but unyielding. Good for customer service issues.
自分の人生を自分で決める権利を主張したいんだ。
I want to assert the right to decide my own life.
Deep and personal. Used when feeling restricted by others.
契約書に基づき、我々は正当な権利を主張します。
Based on the contract, we assert our legitimate rights.
Standard legal phrasing. Very formal.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct particle to complete the phrase meaning 'to assert rights'.
彼は自分の権利___主張した。
The verb 'shuchō suru' (assert) takes the object marker 'o' to indicate what is being asserted.
Which word fits best for a 'legitimate' right?
___な権利を主張する。
'Seitō' (正当) means legitimate or lawful, making it the standard colocation for rights.
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Ayudas visuales
Formality and Intensity of 'Kenri o Shuchō suru'
Used with friends for trivial things.
Pizza rights!
Asserting boundaries with roommates or family.
Privacy rights.
HR meetings or work disputes.
Overtime pay rights.
Courtrooms or formal contracts.
Contractual rights.
Where to Assert Your Rights
Workplace
Demanding fair pay
Apartment
Getting your deposit back
Store
Demanding a refund for a defect
Personal Life
Setting boundaries for privacy
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt's not 'rude' in a vulgar way, but it is very confrontational. In Japanese culture, it signals that the time for polite negotiation is over.
Only if there is a serious problem, like an unfair grade. Even then, it's better to use softer language like 相談したい (I want to consult with you).
A common opposite would be 権利を放棄する (kenri o hōki suru), which means to waive or give up your rights.
You can just say 権利があります (kenri ga arimasu). Using 主張する adds the action of 'asserting' or 'demanding' them.
Yes! Using such a formal phrase for something small, like お菓子を食べる権利 (the right to eat snacks), is a common form of Japanese humor.
Often, yes. It sounds like you have a legal basis for your demand, even if you haven't hired a lawyer yet.
It's very rare and would sound extremely cold, almost like you're treating the relationship like a business contract.
It means 'legitimate rights.' Adding 正当な (seitō na) makes your claim sound more objective and legally backed.
Yes, 主張 means assertion or claim. You can use it for opinions, like 自説を主張する (to assert one's own theory).
You can say 基本的人権を主張する (asserting basic human rights). This is very common in political or social justice contexts.
Frases relacionadas
権利を放棄する
to waive one's rights
自己主張が強い
to be assertive/self-assertive (often negative)
正当性を訴える
to plead one's legitimacy/correctness
義務を果たす
to fulfill one's duty
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