What's the difference between 威厳 and 尊厳?


What's the difference between
[`威{い}厳{げん}`](http://eow.alc.co.jp/search?q=%E5%A8%81%E5%8E%B3) and
[`尊{そん}厳{げん}`](http://eow.alc.co.jp/search?q=%E5%B0%8A%E5%8E%B3) to mean
"dignity"?

From what I can tell, the two seem to be similar, but slightly different. In
what ways do the nuances and usages of the two differ?




First lets get the definitions from a dictionary:

>
> [尊厳](http://dictionary.goo.ne.jp/leaf/jn2/131972/m0u/)：とうとくおごそかなこと。気高く犯しがたいこと。また、そのさま。「人間の―を守る」
>
> [威厳](http://dictionary.goo.ne.jp/leaf/jn2/10818/m0u/%E5%A8%81%E5%8E%B3/):
> 近寄りがたいほど堂々としておごそかなこと

If you look above, both definitions have the phrase `おごそかなこと` in them. This is
where they are similar in meaning. The difference is in the first characters
`尊` and `威`. Lets think of `尊` as representing "value" and `威` represents
"power".

Lets look at some examples:

> 暴力は人間の尊厳を奪う
>
> 個人の尊厳
>
> 犠牲者の尊厳を守る

In the above sentences, you cannot replace `尊厳` with `威厳`. The above sentences
talk about something you should respect and uphold. So, `尊厳` is used in
phrases talking about rights every human or individual should have, a level of
respect, etc. (hence representing "value")

> 親としての威厳を保つ
>
> 国家の威厳を損ねる
>
> 威厳のある顔

The above is talking more about power and influence over others. If a parent
does not have `威厳`, then a child is probably not going to listen to them, or
if a country doesn't have `威厳` then they probably have to follow the orders
from another country and never get their way, etc. (hence representing
"power").




First lets get the definitions from a dictionary:

>
> [尊厳](http://dictionary.goo.ne.jp/leaf/jn2/131972/m0u/)：とうとくおごそかなこと。気高く犯しがたいこと。また、そのさま。「人間の―を守る」
>
> [威厳](http://dictionary.goo.ne.jp/leaf/jn2/10818/m0u/%E5%A8%81%E5%8E%B3/):
> 近寄りがたいほど堂々としておごそかなこと

If you look above, both definitions have the phrase `おごそかなこと` in them. This is
where they are similar in meaning. The difference is in the first characters
`尊` and `威`. Lets think of `尊` as representing "value" and `威` represents
"power".

Lets look at some examples:

> 暴力は人間の尊厳を奪う
>
> 個人の尊厳
>
> 犠牲者の尊厳を守る

In the above sentences, you cannot replace `尊厳` with `威厳`. The above sentences
talk about something you should respect and uphold. So, `尊厳` is used in
phrases talking about rights every human or individual should have, a level of
respect, etc. (hence representing "value")

> 親としての威厳を保つ
>
> 国家の威厳を損ねる
>
> 威厳のある顔

The above is talking more about power and influence over others. If a parent
does not have `威厳`, then a child is probably not going to listen to them, or
if a country doesn't have `威厳` then they probably have to follow the orders
from another country and never get their way, etc. (hence representing
"power").

