威(い)

い
noun
authority; dignity; prestige
1. authority; dignity; commanding presence
An imposing power or presence that inspires awe, respect, or fear in others. Usually associated with rulers, leaders, or institutions of authority.
威(い)を示(しめ)す。
To display one's authority.
王(おう)の威(い)に服(ふく)する。
To submit to the king's authority.
長年(ながねん)の経験(けいけん)が、彼(かれ)に揺(ゆ)るぎない威(い)を与(あた)えていた。
Long years of experience had given him unshakeable authority.

A literary, somewhat archaic noun rarely used on its own in modern conversation. Most commonly encountered as a component of compounds or set expressions.

COMMON COMPOUNDS:

  • 威厳(いげん): dignity; majesty
  • 威力(いりょく): power; might
  • 権威(けんい): authority (institutional)
  • 威信(いしん): prestige; standing
  • 示威(じい): demonstration (of force)

SET PHRASES:

  • 虎(とら)の威(い)を借(か)る狐(きつね): 'a fox borrowing a tiger's authority' — a person who bullies others by relying on a powerful backer
  • 威(い)を振(ふ)るう: to wield authority forcefully
general
Added 2026.5.31 12:09
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