權

• Physical: The balancing weight or beam of a steelyard scale.
• Tactical: Situational flexibility or discretion; the ability to deviate from fixed rules (禮) to achieve a necessary result.
• Structural: Power, authority, or legal right; the capacity to make final decisions.

• Noun: A physical weight/scale; the quality of discretion; the status of holding power.
• Verb: To weigh, balance, or act with discretion (typically implying a calculating adjustment based on circumstances).

• 權 vs. 力 (lì): 權 refers to power derived from position, legitimacy, or judgment, whereas 力 refers to raw strength or force.
• 權衡 (quánhéng): Frequently paired with 衡 (balance beam) to emphasize the process of deliberation and weighing pros and cons.

Simplified variant: U+6743.

Evaluate usage along the axis of Object → Action → Status. Earlier texts are more likely to occupy the "Object" (weight) or "Action" (discretion) zones; later imperial texts lean toward "Status" (authority).