Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of monopoly is expressed through different words depending on whether you mean a business monopoly, exclusive control, or the board game. The most common term is 独占 (dokusen), which covers economic monopolies and exclusive possession. For the board game, use モノポリー (Monoporī).
Exclusive control of a market or commodity by a single company or entity.
The standard term for a monopoly in business and economics. Can also be used as a verb with する (独占する).
その会社は市場を独占している。
That company has a monopoly on the market.
独占禁止法は独占を規制する。
Antitrust laws regulate monopolies.
Refers specifically to a government-sanctioned monopoly or exclusive right to sell a product, such as tobacco or salt in the past.
たばこはかつて専売品だった。
Tobacco was once a monopoly product.
Means exclusive sales rights or sole distributorship. Used in business contexts for exclusive distribution agreements.
その製品の一手販売権を取得した。
We acquired the exclusive sales rights for that product.
The state of having something all to oneself, not sharing with others.
Also used for non-economic contexts, meaning to monopolize attention, a resource, or a space.
彼は先生の注意を独占した。
He monopolized the teacher's attention.
彼女が会話を独占している。
She is monopolizing the conversation.
More colloquial than 独占, implies taking something all for oneself, often with a selfish nuance. Commonly used in daily conversation.
The specific board game called Monopoly.
The katakana rendering of the game's name. Universally understood in Japan.
週末にモノポリーをしよう。
Let's play Monopoly this weekend.
独占 (dokusen) is the formal term for monopoly in business or economics, and can also mean monopolizing something in a neutral sense. 独り占め (hitorijime) is more colloquial and often carries a negative nuance of selfishly keeping something to oneself. Use 独占 for serious contexts and 独り占め for everyday situations like sharing food or attention.
市場の独占は経済に悪影響を与える。
Market monopolies have a negative impact on the economy.
弟がゲームを独り占めしている。
My little brother is hogging the game.
お菓子を独り占めしないで。
Don't hog all the snacks.
彼は遺産を独り占めした。
He kept the inheritance all to himself.