势力

shì li

power

HSK 6

Character Breakdown

Understanding 势力 (shìlì)

The word 势力 refers to power, influence, or strength, often in social, political, or economic contexts. It can describe the capacity of a person, group, or organization to affect outcomes or control resources.

Common Uses

  • Describing the influence of companies, political groups, or individuals.
  • Talking about struggles or competition between different powers.
  • Referring to the use of one's influence to achieve goals.

Typical Collocations

  • 政治势力 (political power): used when discussing political groups or factions.
  • 市场势力 (market power): refers to a company's influence in the market.
  • 利用势力 (use influence): implies leveraging power for some purpose.

Usage Notes

势力 often implies a tangible or recognized form of power, not just abstract strength. It is more formal and often used in news, business, or political discussions. Avoid confusing 势力 with 力气 (physical strength) or 权力 (authority), though they are related.

Common Confusion

Don't confuse 势力 with 力量, which is more about physical or inner strength. 势力 emphasizes external influence or power in social contexts.

Example Sentences

这个公司在市场上有很大的势力。

Zhège gōngsī zài shìchǎng shàng yǒu hěn dà de shìlì.

This company has great power in the market.

政治势力之间的斗争非常激烈。

Zhèngzhì shìlì zhī jiān de dòuzhēng fēicháng jīliè.

The struggle between political forces is very intense.

他利用自己的势力帮助了很多人。

Tā lìyòng zìjǐ de shìlì bāngzhù le hěn duō rén.

He used his influence to help many people.