权利 (quánlì)

权利 refers to a right or entitlement that a person holds, whether legal, civil, or human. It is distinct from 权力 (quánlì with a different character), which means "power or authority."

Meanings

n right, entitlement, legal right

Example Sentences

每个人都有受教育的权利。 Měi gè rén dōu yǒu shòu jiàoyù de quánlì. Everyone has the right to receive education.

公民的基本权利受到法律的保护。 Gōngmín de jīběn quánlì shòudào fǎlǜ de bǎohù. Citizens' basic rights are protected by law.

她坚决维护自己的合法权利。 Tā jiānjué wéihù zìjǐ de héfǎ quánlì. She firmly defended her legal rights.

人权包括生命、自由和平等的权利。 Rénquán bāokuò shēngmìng, zìyóu hé píngděng de quánlì. Human rights include the rights to life, freedom, and equality.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
基本权利 (jīběn quánlì)	basic rights
维护权利 (wéihù quánlì)	to safeguard rights
合法权利 (héfǎ quánlì)	legal rights
人权 (rénquán)	human rights

Usage Notes

Do not confuse 权利 (quánlì, right/entitlement) with 权力 (quánlì, power/authority). The second character is different: 利 means "benefit/interest" while 力 means "force/power." A useful test: if it can be "enjoyed," it is 权利; if it can be "exercised over others," it is 权力.

Memory Hook

权利 — your 权 (entitlement) brings you 利 (benefit). Rights are entitlements that benefit you.