有力者(ゆうりょくしゃ)

Built from 有力(ゆうりょく) (influential, powerful) + 者(しゃ) (person). Refers to someone who holds significant sway in a community, organization, or political sphere.

Common collocations

• 地元(じもと)の有力者(ゆうりょくしゃ): local person of influence
• 政界(せいかい)の有力者(ゆうりょくしゃ): political heavyweight
• 財界(ざいかい)の有力者(ゆうりょくしゃ): influential figure in the business world

Similar words

• 実力者(じつりょくしゃ): person of real power (emphasizes actual ability)
• 権力者(けんりょくしゃ): person in authority (emphasizes formal power)
• 名士(めいし): notable figure, distinguished person (emphasizes reputation)

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A formal word. More common in news, political discussion, and written Japanese than in casual conversation.