English–Japanese

“initiative” in Japanese

Japanese

Also先手 (sente)

Pronunciation

Romajisensei

Example

相手に先制されると、流れを失います。ai te ni sen sei sa re ru to naga re o ushina i ma su

When the other side takes the initiative, we lose momentum.

Illustration for 先制 (initiative)

How to say “initiative” in Japanese

“Initiative” in Japanese is 先制 (sensei).

Captures the idea of taking control of a situation by acting before the other side.

Full entry for 先制: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with 先制

相手の先制を警戒して、守りを固めました。ai te no sen sei o kei kai shi te mamo ri o kata me ma shi ta

We strengthened our defense, wary of the opponent taking the initiative.

Tips for using 先制

  • In sports and games, 先制点 (senseiten) means the first score, so it shows how 先制 (sensei) can describe gaining an early advantage.

Other Japanese words for “initiative”

問題が起きる前に、彼女は先手を取ります。mon dai ga o ki ru mae ni kano jo wa sen te o to ri ma su

She takes the initiative before a problem occurs.

“initiative” in other languages