权利 quánlì right (i.e. an entitlement to something)
right (i.e. an entitlement to something); (classical) power and wealth
How to remember 权利: 权 authority + 利 benefit = right (i.e. an entitlement to something).
Characters
How it is used
- A right / entitlement one is owed - 消费者的权利 (xiāofèizhě de quánlì) consumers' rights.
- CRUCIAL homophone trap: 权利 (quánlì) = rights vs 权力 (quánlì) = power/authority. Same sound, different second char (利 gains vs 力 force). 权利 is what you're entitled to; 权力 is power over others.
- Pairs with 义务 (yìwù, obligations): 权利和义务 rights and duties.
Example sentences
- 我们知道我们的权利。 Wǒmen zhīdào wǒmen de quánlì.We know our rights.
- 他应该有权利去自己做决定。 Tā yīnggāi yǒu quánlì qù zìjǐ zuò juédìng.He should have the right to decide for himself.
- 我没有权利干涉。 Wǒ méiyǒu quánlì gānshè.I had no right to interfere.