Translation guide
A key position can refer to a strategically important job, role, or physical location. This guide covers how to express these ideas naturally in Japanese.
The learner wants to describe a person's crucial position within a company, team, or project.
Refers to an important post or key position, often in a company or government. Commonly used in formal contexts.
彼は会社の要職に就いている。
He holds a key position in the company.
Literally 'important post/role'. A more descriptive way to say key position, suitable for both spoken and written Japanese.
彼女はプロジェクトで重要な役職を任された。
She was entrusted with a key position in the project.
Loanword from English. Used in business contexts, but sounds slightly technical or jargon-like.
キーポジションに適した人材を探している。
We are looking for personnel suitable for key positions.
The learner wants to refer to a place that is strategically important, such as in sports, military, or geography.
Means a key point, strategic location, or vital spot. Used for physical places like intersections, bases, or defensive positions.
敵は要所をすべて押さえていた。
The enemy had secured all the key positions.
Literally 'important point/location'. A straightforward way to describe a key position on a map or in a plan.
この丘は戦略的に重要な地点だ。
This hill is a strategically key position.
Refers to a base, foothold, or stronghold. Often used for military, business, or logistical key positions.
The learner wants to talk about a critical rank or place in an ordered list, such as in sports standings or search results.
Means 'top position' or 'high rank'. Often used when a key position implies being near the top.
彼は常にランキングの上位にいる。
He is always in a key position in the rankings.
Literally 'important rank'. Can be used when the exact position number matters, like qualifying spots.
3位は表彰台に上がれる重要な順位だ。
Third place is a key position to get on the podium.
要職 (ようしょく) is for job positions, while 要所 (ようしょ) is for physical locations. Do not mix them up.
The direct translation 'キーポジション' is understood but can sound unnatural or overly technical. Use 要職 or 要所 depending on context.
That city is important as a key position for logistics.