Japanese word

独占

Pronunciation

Romajidokusen

Meaning

  • nounmonopoly

Example

一つの会社が市場を独占しています。hito tsu no gai sha ga shi jō o doku sen shi te i ma su

One company has a monopoly in the market.

Illustration for 独占 (monopoly)

More examples

大切な情報の独占は、話し合いを難しくします。tai setsu na jō hō no doku sen wa hana shi a i o muzuka shi ku shi ma su

Monopolizing important information makes discussion difficult.

Core concept

Describes one person or organization holding sole control over a market, resource, or activity.

Common phrases

  • 市場の独占shi jō no doku sen

    market monopoly

  • 独占を避けるdoku sen o sa ke ru

    avoid a monopoly

Similar words

専売senbai: Exclusive rights to sell a particular product or service.
専有senyū: Exclusive possession or control of a thing, right, or space.
独り占めhitorijime: Taking all of a resource or opportunity for oneself and leaving none for others.

Definition in Japanese

一人または一つの組織が、ある市場や資源などを一手に支配すること。hito ri ma ta wa hito tsu no so shiki ga a ru shi jō ya shi gen na do o it te ni shi hai su ru ko to

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese noun 独占 (dokusen, "monopoly") combines 独 (doku, "alone") and 占 (sen, "occupy").

Usage tips

  • The board game Monopoly turns the idea of exclusive control over property and markets into a game, making the economic sense of this word memorable.

Other meanings

  • exclusivitynoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 独占的dokusentekiexclusivena-adjective
  • 独占者dokusenshamonopolistnoun

Word lists with this word