Translation guide
The political, economic, or cultural dominance of one group over others. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with 覇権 (はけん), but the concept also appears in terms like 支配権 (しはいけん) and 主導権 (しゅどうけん), depending on the type of control.
Dominance of one state or group over others, especially in international relations.
The standard term for hegemony in political and historical contexts. Often used in phrases like 覇権を握る (to seize hegemony) or 覇権争い (struggle for hegemony).
その国は地域の覇権を握ろうとしている。
That country is trying to seize regional hegemony.
冷戦時代は米ソの覇権争いが続いた。
During the Cold War, the struggle for hegemony between the US and the USSR continued.
Refers to the right or power to control, often used in legal or territorial contexts. Less common for abstract hegemony but can imply dominance.
彼らはその海域の支配権を主張している。
They are claiming dominion over those waters.
Initiative or leadership, often in a competitive sense. Used when one party takes the lead, not necessarily through force.
交渉の主導権を握るのは難しい。
It's difficult to take the initiative in negotiations.
The predominance of one culture, ideology, or set of values over others, often through soft power.
Direct translation of 'cultural hegemony', used in academic or critical discourse.
グラムシは文化的覇権の概念を提唱した。
Gramsci proposed the concept of cultural hegemony.
Ideological domination, often used in political theory.
メディアは思想的支配の道具になりうる。
Media can become a tool of ideological domination.
Control or overwhelming influence in economic affairs, such as by a corporation or country.
Economic hegemony, used in discussions of global economic power.
ドルの経済的覇権は揺らいでいる。
The economic hegemony of the dollar is wavering.
Monopoly, but can imply hegemonic control in a market. Not a direct translation but useful in economic contexts.
その企業は市場を独占している。
That company monopolizes the market.
覇権 (はけん) is the closest equivalent to 'hegemony' and implies supremacy over others, often through a mix of force and consent. 支配権 (しはいけん) is more about direct control or rule, while 主導権 (しゅどうけん) is about taking the lead or initiative, not necessarily dominance.
In everyday conversation, 'hegemony' is rarely used. If you mean 'dominance' or 'control', simpler words like 支配 (しはい) or 優位 (ゆうい) might be more natural. 覇権 is a weighty term best suited for political or academic discussion.