Translation guide
To lead or initiate an effort, campaign, or movement. In Japanese, this is expressed through verbs meaning 'to take the lead,' 'to be at the forefront,' or 'to pioneer,' depending on the context.
To be the driving force behind a project, movement, or effort, often in an organizational or activist context.
Literally 'to stand at the front.' A natural way to say someone is leading or spearheading an effort.
彼女が環境保護運動の先頭に立っている。
She is spearheading the environmental protection movement.
Means 'to promote' or 'to drive forward.' Often used for spearheading policies, projects, or reforms.
彼は新しい教育改革を推進している。
He is spearheading the new education reform.
Means 'to lead' or 'to command.' Used when spearheading a group or team.
彼女がプロジェクトチームを率いている。
She is spearheading the project team.
A formal phrase meaning 'to take command at the front lines.' Used for spearheading in a leadership or crisis context.
社長自ら陣頭指揮を執って新規事業を立ち上げた。
The president personally spearheaded the launch of the new business.
To be the first to do something or to introduce a new idea, method, or technology.
Means 'to be a pioneer' or 'to lead the way.' Often used for spearheading innovation or new trends.
この会社はAI技術の開発に先駆けている。
This company is spearheading the development of AI technology.
Means 'to lead the way' or 'to guide.' Used for spearheading a movement or showing the path forward.
彼は持続可能な農業の先導者だ。
He is spearheading sustainable agriculture.
Literally 'to cut open.' Metaphorically means 'to pioneer' or 'to blaze a trail.' Used for spearheading new fields or opportunities.
To be at the front of a physical assault or charge, often in a military or competitive context.
Literally 'to cut the vanguard.' A common phrase for spearheading an attack or being the first to charge.
彼が先陣を切って敵陣に突入した。
He spearheaded the charge into the enemy lines.
Noun meaning 'spearhead' or 'vanguard' in a military sense. Can be used metaphorically.
その部隊は攻撃の先鋒を務めた。
The unit served as the spearhead of the attack.
The English word 'spearhead' is often used metaphorically. Direct translations like 槍の先 (yari no saki) are not used in Japanese to mean 'to lead an initiative.' Use the verbs and phrases provided instead.
彼女は女性の社会進出の道を切り開いた。
She spearheaded the advancement of women in society.