势力 shìlì power
power; influence; a force (military, political etc)
How to remember 势力: 势 power + 力 power = power.
Characters
How it is used
- Power/influence held by a group or force, often political or factional - 黑恶势力 (hēi'è shìlì) criminal forces, 势力范围 (shìlì fànwéi) sphere of influence.
- Refers to organized influence/clout, distinct from 权力 (quánlì, formal authority) and 力量 (lìliàng, strength/power in general).
- Often carries a slightly negative or contentious tone. Do not confuse with 势利 (shìlì, snobbish).