Japanese word

先制

Pronunciation

Romajisensei

Meaning

  • nouninitiative

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)

More examples

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.

Core concept

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

Common phrases

  • 先制攻撃に出るsen sei kō geki ni de ru

    launch a preemptive attack

  • 先制点sen sei ten

    first score

  • 先制を許すsen sei o yuru su

    allow the opponent to score first

Similar words

先手sente: An initial move made before an opponent can act, often to gain control.
先攻senkō: The position of acting first in a game, match, or other contest.

Definition in Japanese

相手より先に働きかけて、主導権を握ること。ai te yo ri saki ni hatara ki ka ke te shu dō ken o nigi ru ko to

Word origin

先 (sen, "ahead") combines with 制 (sei, "control") to express taking control by acting first.

Usage tips

  • 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 meanings

  • first movenoun
  • preemptionnoun

Opposites

  • 後手gotebeing on the defensivenoun

Related words

  • 先制的senseitekipreemptivena-adjective

Word lists with this word