Japanese word

主導権

Pronunciation

Romajishudōken

Meaning

  • nouncontrol

Example

彼が会議の主導権を握ります。kare ga kai gi no shu dō ken o nigi ri ma su

He takes control of the meeting.

Illustration for 主導権 (control)

More examples

交渉では、相手に主導権を渡さないことが大切です。kō shō de wa ai te ni shu dō ken o wata sa na i ko to ga tai setsu de su

In negotiations, it is important not to give the other side control.

Core concept

Refers to the authority and initiative that allow someone to set a course and guide a group or situation.

Common phrases

  • 主導権を握るshu dō ken o nigi ru

    take control

  • 主導権を譲るshu dō ken o yuzu ru

    give up control

  • 主導権を奪うshu dō ken o uba u

    seize control

Similar words

イニシアチブinishiachibu: The ability to take the first step and act without waiting for others.
支配権shihaiken: The authority to control a person, group, or territory.
指揮権shikiken: The authority to command people and direct their activities.
決定権ketteiken: The authority to make the final decision on a matter.

Definition in Japanese

集団や事柄の方向を定め、進行や決定を中心になって担う立場や力。shū dan ya koto gara no hō kō o sada me shin kō ya ket tei o chū shin ni na tte nina u tachi ba ya chikara

Word origin

It combines 主 (shu, "main"), 導 (dō, "lead"), and 権 (ken, "power or right"), forming a word for the power to take the lead.

Usage tips

  • In the expression 主導権を握る (shudōken o nigiru), 握る (nigiru) means to hold or grasp, so the full phrase presents control as something a person can take and keep.

Other meanings

  • initiativenoun
  • leadershipnoun

Word lists with this word