Translation guide
The English word 'authorities' can refer to people in power, official organizations, or expert sources. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression depending on the context.
Referring to government agencies, the police, or other official institutions that have power.
The standard term for 'the authorities' in a formal or official sense, especially in news or legal contexts.
当局は事件の調査を続けています。
The authorities are continuing to investigate the incident.
Refers to the authorities, especially police or military, often with a nuance of state power. Can sound slightly old-fashioned or formal.
官憲がデモ隊を解散させた。
The authorities dispersed the demonstrators.
A colloquial and somewhat old-fashioned term for 'the authorities' or 'the government', often used with a sense of distance or mild resentment.
お上の言うことには逆らえない。
You can't go against what the authorities say.
Referring to people who are considered knowledgeable or official in a particular field.
A person who is an authority in a field; an expert whose opinion is respected.
彼はこの分野の権威者だ。
He is an authority in this field.
A master or great expert, often used for someone with long-standing recognition in arts or academia.
彼は日本文学の大家として知られている。
He is known as an authority on Japanese literature.
A person with specialized knowledge; often used in contexts like advisory panels or expert committees.
Referring to those who have the right to give orders or make decisions.
The upper management or higher-ups in an organization; the people with authority.
その決定は上層部が下した。
The decision was made by the authorities (higher-ups).
The person in charge or responsible person; often used when you need to speak to someone with authority.
While 権力者 (けんりょくしゃ) means 'powerful person', the plural form 権力者たち is not a natural way to say 'the authorities'. Use context-appropriate terms like 当局 or 上層部 instead.
有識者会議が開かれた。
A meeting of authorities (experts) was held.
責任者を呼んでください。
Please call the person in authority.