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.

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)

Common expressions

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 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02

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