Translation guide
How to express that someone or something has influence in Japanese, from describing powerful people to impactful ideas.
To say that a person, organization, or entity has power to affect decisions or opinions.
The most direct and common way to say 'influential'. Literally 'having influence'. Used for people, organizations, media, etc.
彼は政界で影響力のある人物だ。
He is an influential figure in the political world.
この新聞は非常に影響力のあるメディアです。
This newspaper is a very influential media outlet.
Means 'prominent', 'leading', or 'powerful'. Often used for influential people, companies, or candidates. Slightly more formal.
彼は大統領選の有力な候補者だ。
He is an influential candidate in the presidential election.
有力な企業がこのプロジェクトを支援している。
Influential companies are supporting this project.
Literally 'has a big influence'. Used when emphasizing the scale of impact rather than the person's status.
彼女の意見は会議で影響が大きい。
Her opinion is very influential in meetings.
To say that a book, theory, movement, etc. has had a significant impact on something.
Same as above, but applied to abstract things. Very versatile.
この本は20世紀で最も影響力のある小説の一つだ。
This book is one of the most influential novels of the 20th century.
Past tense of 'to influence'. Used to describe something that had an influence on something else. Often used in historical contexts.
彼の理論は多くの科学者に影響を与えた。
His theory influenced many scientists.
Literally 'influence is strong'. Used when the influence is particularly powerful or pervasive.
この文化は今でも地域に影響が強い。
This culture still has a strong influence on the region.
To describe someone who holds a position of power or can affect outcomes.
Verb phrase meaning 'to have influence'. Often used to describe someone's capability.
彼は会社で大きな影響力を持っている。
He has a lot of influence in the company.
Literally 'has speaking power'. Means one's opinion carries weight, influential in discussions or decision-making.
彼女は会議で発言力がある。
She is influential in meetings (her opinions carry weight).
Both mean 'influential', but 影響力のある focuses on the actual influence or impact, while 有力な emphasizes prominence, power, or being a leading candidate. 有力な is often used in news about elections or business leaders.
The word 影響者 (えいきょうしゃ) exists but is mainly used in marketing contexts (influencer on social media). For a generally influential person, use 影響力のある人 or 有力者 (ゆうりょくしゃ).