Definition

1. Noun:
   • Authority and influence: "Quyền thế" refers to the combination of official power (authority) and social or political influence (clout). It describes a position or status where one holds both formal power and significant sway over people or events.
   • A powerful and influential person: It can also refer to a person who possesses such authority and influence.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Ông ấy là một người có quyền thế trong ngành công nghiệp này. (He is a person with great authority and influence in this industry.)
  • Họ lạm dụng quyền thế để trục lợi. (They abused their power and influence for personal gain.)
  • Anh ta là một nhân vật quyền thế ở địa phương. (He is a powerful and influential figure in the locality.)

Advanced Usage

• "Kẻ quyền thế": This phrase often carries a slightly negative or critical connotation, referring to "the powerful" or "the influential" who may wield their power unjustly.

  • Những kẻ quyền thế thường không muốn thay đổi hiện trạng. (The powerful often do not want to change the status quo.)

• "Vòng xoáy quyền thế": Refers to the "vortex of power," describing the complex and often corrupting struggle for influence and authority.

Variants and Related Words

• Quyền lực (n): Power, authority. This focuses more on the official or legal aspect of power.

  • quyền lực chính trị (political power)

• Thế lực (n): Force, influence, faction. This emphasizes influence, sway, or a powerful group.

  • thế lực ngầm (underworld forces / hidden powers)

• Quyền hành (n): Authority, power to command. Stresses the right and ability to give orders and make decisions.

  • trao quyền hành (to delegate authority)

Synonyms

• Uy quyền: Prestige and power, majesty.
• Thế lực: Influence, force (as mentioned above).
• Ảnh hưởng: Influence (more general, can be positive or negative without the inherent connotation of official power).

Related Phrases

• Lạm dụng quyền thế: To abuse one's authority and influence.

  • Việc lạm dụng quyền thế là không thể chấp nhận được. (The abuse of power and influence is unacceptable.)

• Mua chuộc kẻ quyền thế: To bribe the powerful.

  • Công ty bị cáo buộc mua chuộc kẻ quyền thế để giành hợp đồng. (The company was accused of bribing the powerful to win the contract.)

Related Idioms

• "Có tiền mua tiên cũng được, huống chi là mua quyền thế.": This proverb suggests that with enough money, one can buy anything, even influence and power, highlighting the perceived corruptibility of power structures.
  • (Literally: With money, you can even buy a fairy, let alone buying power and influence.)

1. Authority and influence