Translation guide
The state or fact of being more powerful, important, or noticeable than others. In Japanese, the best translation depends on the context: social/political dominance, market dominance, personality, or biological traits.
Expressing that a person, group, or nation has power or control over others.
General term for control, rule, or domination. Can be used for political, economic, or personal control.
その国は周辺地域で支配を強めている。
That country is strengthening its dominance in the surrounding region.
Superiority or predominance, often in a competitive context. Emphasizes being in a better position.
彼は議論で優位に立った。
He gained dominance in the debate.
Predominance or superiority, often used in sports, games, or military contexts.
試合は終始彼の優勢だった。
The match was under his dominance from start to finish.
Hegemony or supremacy, often used in political or historical contexts. More formal and strong.
大国が覇権を争っている。
The great powers are vying for dominance.
Describing a company or product that controls a large share of the market.
Market dominance or market control. A compound of 市場 (market) and 支配 (control).
その企業は市場支配を確立した。
That company established market dominance.
Monopoly or exclusive control. Often used in legal or economic contexts.
彼らの独占状態が問題になっている。
Their dominance (monopoly) is becoming a problem.
Market share. Often used with adjectives like 高い (high) to indicate dominance.
このブランドは高いシェアを誇っている。
This brand boasts a high market share (dominance).
Describing a person who tends to dominate others in social situations.
Dominant (adjective). Describes a personality that seeks to control others.
彼は支配的な性格だ。
He has a dominant personality.
Aggressive, confident, or bullish. Often used for a person who is assertive and takes charge.
A slang term for an arrogant, domineering man who acts like a king. Very casual and often humorous.
Referring to a trait or behavior that is dominant in a biological sense.
Dominant (genetics). Used for traits that are expressed over recessive ones.
茶色の目は優性形質です。
Brown eyes are a dominant trait.
Can also be used in animal behavior to describe dominance hierarchies.
支配 (shihai) implies active control or rule, often over people or territory. 優位 (yūi) means a superior position or advantage, often in a comparison. 優勢 (yūsei) means predominance in strength or numbers, often in a contest. Choose based on whether you mean control, advantage, or superiority.
彼は会社を支配している。
He controls (dominates) the company.
価格で優位に立つ。
To have an advantage (dominance) in price.
敵軍より優勢だ。
We are superior (dominant) to the enemy forces.
The English word 'dominance' is often translated as 支配, but this can sound too strong or political in casual contexts. For everyday situations like 'team dominance' or 'social dominance', consider using 優位 or 強さ instead.
She is always assertive and dominates those around her.
He's totally the dominant, arrogant type.
In a wolf pack, the dominant individual eats first.