‘权势’ (quán shì) is a compound noun meaning ‘power and influence’, especially in political, social, or institutional contexts. The first character 权 (quán) means ‘authority’, ‘right’, or ‘power’—as in governmental authority or decision-making power. The second character 势 (shì) means ‘influence’, ‘clout’, or ‘momentum’—referring to the ability to affect outcomes through reputation, connections, or position. Together, 权势 emphasizes not just formal authority but also the informal sway that comes with status, wealth, or network access.

This term often carries a slightly critical or neutral-to-negative connotation, suggesting power that may be wielded unethically or that creates inequality. It appears frequently in news reports, historical narratives, and discussions about governance, business leadership, or elite circles. Unlike more neutral terms like 权力 (quánlì, ‘power’) or 影响力 (yǐngxiǎnglì, ‘influence’), 权势 implies the combined weight of both legitimacy and leverage—and is rarely used to describe personal, everyday influence.