Japanese word

優位

Pronunciation

Romajiyūi

Meaning

  • nounupper hand

Example

試合の後半で優位に立ちました。shi ai no kō han de yū i ni ta chi ma shi ta

We had the upper hand in the second half of the game.

Illustration for 優位 (upper hand)

More examples

交渉では相手より優位に立っています。kō shō de wa ai te yo ri yū i ni ta tte i ma su

We have the upper hand in the negotiations.

Core concept

Describes being in a position that gives someone an advantage over others.

Common phrases

  • 優位に立つyū i ni ta tsu

    gain the upper hand

  • 優位を保つyū i o tamo tsu

    maintain the upper hand

Similar words

優勢yūsei: A state of having greater power or influence than another side in a contest.
優越yūetsu: A state of being higher in ability, status, or value than others.
有利yūri: A favorable condition that helps a person or side achieve a desired result.

Definition in Japanese

相手より有利な立場にあること。ai te yo ri yū ri na tachi ba ni a ru ko to

Word origin

The compound combines 優 (yū, "superiority") and 位 (i, "position"), expressing a superior position.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese sports and business reporting, 優位 (yūi) can describe a temporary advantage, so it does not by itself imply that the stronger side has already won.

Other meanings

  • dominancenoun

Opposites

  • 劣勢resseidisadvantagenoun

Related words

  • 優位性yūiseidominancenoun

Word lists with this word