権利
Kenri refers to a legal or moral entitlement to have something or to act in a certain way. It describes the power or status recognized by law or society that allows an individual to claim specific benefits or freedoms.
Examples
3 of 5誰にでも幸せになる権利があります。
Everyone has the right to be happy.
基本的人権は、憲法によって守られています。
Fundamental human rights are protected by the constitution.
君にそんなことを言う権利はないよ。
You don't have the right to say something like that.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Remember the kanji: 権 (authority/power) + 利 (profit/benefit). It is your 'authority' to receive a 'benefit'.
Quick Quiz
すべての国民には、教育を受ける___がある。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 権利
Examples
誰にでも幸せになる権利があります。
everydayEveryone has the right to be happy.
基本的人権は、憲法によって守られています。
formalFundamental human rights are protected by the constitution.
君にそんなことを言う権利はないよ。
informalYou don't have the right to say something like that.
この研究は著作権によって保護されている。
academicThis research is protected by copyright.
当社はその製品を販売する独占的権利を有しています。
businessOur company holds the exclusive right to sell that product.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
権利の侵害
infringement of rights
既得権
vested interest / entrenched right
財産権
property rights
Often Confused With
Kenri (権利) is a legal 'right' or entitlement, while Kenryoku (権力) refers to political or social 'power' and authority over others.
Usage Notes
The word is most commonly used with the verb 'aru' (to have) or 'motsu' (to hold). It is a neutral term but carries significant weight in legal and social discussions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse it with 'power' (kenryoku). Remember that 'kenri' is something you possess as a person (like a right), while 'kenryoku' is something you use to control things.
Memory Tip
Remember the kanji: 権 (authority/power) + 利 (profit/benefit). It is your 'authority' to receive a 'benefit'.
Word Origin
Coined during the Meiji era as a translation for the Western legal concept of 'rights'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In Japanese society, there is a strong cultural emphasis on the balance between 'kenri' (rights) and 'gimu' (obligations/duties).
Quick Quiz
すべての国民には、教育を受ける___がある。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 権利
Related Vocabulary
More society words
多様性
B1The state of being diverse; variety. It often refers to a range of different things or people (cultural, biological, etc.).
依存
B1The state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something else. It is frequently used in discussions about technology, resources, or psychology.
享受
B1To receive and enjoy the benefits of something, such as rights, freedom, or natural blessings.
失業
B1The state of not having a job, especially when one is actively looking for work.
振興
B1The promotion or encouragement of something, such as an industry, art, or education, to make it flourish or develop.
提言
B2To propose or suggest an idea or policy, especially to a group or authority. It carries a nuance of making a formal recommendation for improvement.
規範
B1A standard of behavior or a social rule that is accepted by a group. It is often discussed in sociology, ethics, or law.
提起
B2To bring up or raise an issue, problem, or question for discussion or consideration. It is often used in legal contexts (raising a lawsuit) or intellectual contexts.
強靭
B2Being physically or mentally tough, resilient, and difficult to break. In modern contexts, it often refers to 'resilient' systems or infrastructure.
公共
B2Relating to or available to the community or the people as a whole, rather than being private or individual.
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