Translation guide
The state or condition of being superior to all others in authority, power, or status. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through nouns and compound words that emphasize the highest rank, dominance, or unparalleled excellence.
Expressing the idea of being the highest in rank, power, or influence.
Refers to hegemony or supremacy, especially in political, economic, or military contexts. Commonly used in news and formal writing.
その国は世界の覇権を握っている。
That country holds global supremacy.
Means 'supreme' or 'the highest.' Often used in compounds like 至上主義 (supremacism) or 至上命令 (supreme command).
彼は快楽至上主義者だ。
He is a pleasure supremacist.
Means 'superiority' or 'dominance' in a comparative sense. Often used in business or competitive contexts.
我が社は市場で優位に立っている。
Our company holds supremacy in the market.
Referring specifically to the ideology of white supremacy.
The standard term for white supremacy ideology. 至上主義 means 'supremacism.'
白人至上主義は差別的な思想だ。
White supremacy is a discriminatory ideology.
Expressing unmatched excellence or dominance in a particular area, such as sports or technology.
Literally 'invincible.' Used to describe someone or something that has no rivals, conveying a sense of supremacy through unbeatable strength.
彼はその競技で無敵だ。
He is supreme in that sport.
Means 'the strongest.' Commonly used in casual and media contexts to denote supremacy in strength or ability.
Referring to the highest authority of law or a constitution.
Means 'supreme law.' Used in legal contexts to describe the constitution or a law that overrides others.
憲法は国の最高法規である。
The constitution is the supreme law of the land.
覇権 (はけん) implies a broader, often geopolitical or hegemonic supremacy, while 優位 (ゆうい) is more about a superior position in a specific competitive context, like business or sports.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'supremacy.' Choose the term based on the specific context: political dominance, ideological supremacism, invincibility, or legal authority.
このチームはリーグ最強だ。
This team is the supreme one in the league.