Translation guide
The English word "leading" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: being in first place, being the most important, guiding someone, and causing a result. Each meaning has different natural Japanese expressions.
To describe someone or something that is ahead in a race, competition, or ranking.
Commonly used for being in first place in sports, business, or rankings. Often used with に立つ or を走る.
彼はマラソンで首位を走っている。
He is leading the marathon.
A loanword from English, very common in casual and business contexts. Often used with に立つ or を走る.
この会社は業界でトップに立っている。
This company is leading the industry.
Used for having a lead in a race or competition. Often used with している or を奪う.
彼は2点リードしている。
He is leading by two points.
To describe a person, organization, or thing that is the most prominent or influential in a field.
Means 'main' or 'principal'. Used for leading roles, factors, etc. It is a na-adjective.
彼はこのプロジェクトの主要なメンバーだ。
He is a leading member of this project.
Means 'first-class' or 'top-notch'. Used for leading experts, companies, etc.
彼女は一流の科学者だ。
She is a leading scientist.
Means 'leading' in the sense of taking initiative or guiding. Often used for roles or positions.
彼は交渉で主導的な役割を果たした。
He played a leading role in the negotiations.
To describe the action of guiding someone physically or metaphorically.
Means 'to guide' or 'to show around'. Used for leading a person to a place or through a process.
彼は私を駅まで案内してくれた。
He led me to the station.
Means 'to guide' or 'to lead' in a more abstract or spiritual sense. Often used for leading people to a goal or truth.
先生は生徒たちを成功に導いた。
The teacher led the students to success.
Means 'to lead the way' physically, often in a procession or group. More formal.
ガイドがツアーを先導した。
The guide led the tour.
To describe something that causes a particular outcome.
Means 'leads to' or 'results in'. Used for cause-and-effect relationships.
運動不足は健康問題につながる。
Lack of exercise can lead to health problems.
Means 'to cause' or 'to bring about'. Often used for negative outcomes.
その政策が混乱を引き起こした。
The policy led to confusion.
The phrase 'leading question' is not translated directly. Use 誘導尋問 (ゆうどうじんもん) in legal contexts, or 誘導的な質問 (ゆうどうてきなしつもん) more generally.
弁護士は証人に誘導尋問をした。
The lawyer asked the witness a leading question.