Translation guide
How to express the idea of leveraging personal connections, authority, or social capital to achieve something in Japanese. The best choice depends on whether you are pulling strings, asking a favor, or using your position.
To get something done by leveraging personal relationships or behind-the-scenes influence.
Literally 'use connections'. Very common for using personal networks to get favors, jobs, or special treatment. Slightly casual.
彼はコネを使ってその会社に入った。
He used his connections to get into that company.
More formal way to say 'use one's network of contacts'. Suitable for business or written contexts.
彼は人脈を利用して新しい取引先を紹介してもらった。
He used his network to get introduced to new business partners.
Means one's name or presence carries weight; one has influence in a particular place or with certain people. Often used in the form 顔が利く.
あの店では彼の顔が利くから、予約なしでも入れるよ。
He has influence at that restaurant, so we can get in without a reservation.
To request that someone use their position or relationship to help you.
Literally 'have someone speak for you'. Used when asking someone to put in a good word or use their influence on your behalf.
就職のことで、知り合いに口を利いてもらった。
I had an acquaintance put in a good word for me regarding a job.
A softer, more general way to say 'ask someone to act on your behalf'. Not limited to influence, but often used in such contexts.
上司にお願いして、プロジェクトに参加させてもらえるように動いてもらった。
I asked my boss to use his influence so I could join the project.
To exert influence based on official power or status.
Directly 'use one's power/authority'. Can sound heavy-handed; often implies abuse of power if not careful.
彼は権力を使って反対派を黙らせた。
He used his authority to silence the opposition.
Means 'use one's position/standing'. More neutral than 権力, can refer to any advantageous position.
彼は自分の立場を利用して情報を集めた。
He used his position to gather information.
Literally 'brandish one's authority'. Implies showing off power in an overbearing way. Negative nuance.
上司が威光を振りかざして無理な命令を出した。
The boss threw his weight around and gave unreasonable orders.
To affect outcomes without direct action, often through manipulation or subtle pressure.
Idiom meaning 'pull strings from behind the scenes'. Suggests secret manipulation.
彼が影で糸を引いているに違いない。
He must be pulling strings behind the scenes.
Means 'maneuver behind the scenes', often to arrange things in one's favor.
彼は裏で手を回して、自分に有利な契約にした。
He pulled strings behind the scenes to get a contract favorable to him.
The English phrase 'use one's influence' does not have a single direct equivalent. Translating it word-for-word as 影響を使う is unnatural. Choose the expression that matches the specific type of influence (connections, authority, behind-the-scenes manipulation).