Picture this: After a long day at the office you’re settled at your favorite Izakaya, and someone tries to take the last chicken skewer that you’ve already ordered. Chotto-matte! That skewer is yours— and it’s your right to enjoy it. That 'right' is exactly what the Japanese word 権利 (けんり, kenri) means: a right or entitlement.

権利(けんり) can refer to a lot of things, from basic human rights to legal privileges, or even the right to claim something you’ve earned (like that skewer!). It’s a word that reminds us we all have things we’re entitled to, whether it’s freedom of expression, the right to vote, or just enjoying our chicken in peace.

So, what「権利」do you value most? For me, it’s the right to share fun ways of learning Japanese with you!

そんなことをする権利がない！

You have no right to do that!

誰でも自分の意見を持つ権利があります。

Everyone is entitled/has the right to their own opinion.

君はもう成人したから投票する権利がある。

Now you've come of age, you have the right to vote.

私たちには好きなところに住む権利がある。

We have the right to live where we please..

The kanji 権 (けん) is often used in words related to political or legal authority, emphasizing power or control. On the other hand, 利 (り) carries meanings such as benefit, advantage, or application.

When combined, 「権利(けんり)」 represents the concept of having authority in a way that benefits or protects an individual. In other words, it symbolizes “rights” — the intersection of legal authority and beneficial application, ensuring fairness and justice.

At the JLPT N3 level, there likely aren't many complex uses. However, some common words and phrases with 「権利(けんり)」 include:

• 憲法上(けんぽうじょう)の権利(けんり) - constitutional right​

• 基本的権利(きほんてきけんり) - basic right; fundamental right​

• 動物(どうぶつ)の権利(けんり) - animal rights

• LGBTの権利(けんり) - lgbt rights​

Learning these terms can help you recognize how 「権利(けんり)」 is used in legal, social, and everyday contexts. It’s a concept that empowers individuals while promoting fairness and justice.

It can often be used as a suffix to convey "the right to x", example:

誰でも、パーティーをする権利があります。

Everyone has the right to party.