Translation guide
The English word 'takeover' covers a wide range of situations, from business acquisitions to seizing control by force. This guide organizes the most useful Japanese expressions by the specific type of takeover you want to express.
When one company buys or gains control of another, especially in a corporate context.
The standard term for a corporate acquisition or buyout. Can be used for both friendly and hostile takeovers.
その会社は競合他社による買収の対象となった。
The company became the target of a takeover by a rival.
買収防衛策を導入する企業が増えている。
More companies are introducing anti-takeover measures.
Specifically 'corporate takeover/merger and acquisition'. Often used in news and business contexts.
企業買収のニュースが株価に影響を与えた。
News of the corporate takeover affected stock prices.
A 'hostile takeover', where the target company's management opposes the acquisition.
敵対的買収を仕掛けられた。
They were subjected to a hostile takeover bid.
The abbreviation for 'mergers and acquisitions', commonly used in Japanese business. Often pronounced as 'M and A'.
M&Aの専門家に相談する。
Consult an M&A specialist.
Taking over control of a country, organization, or vehicle by force, coup, or hijacking.
General term for a forcible takeover, hijacking, or usurpation. Can be used for planes, companies, governments, etc.
飛行機の乗っ取り事件が発生した。
A plane hijacking incident occurred.
クーデターによる政権の乗っ取り。
The takeover of the government by a coup d'état.
To seize or grasp control, often used for power, authority, or a situation. More formal than 乗っ取り.
Occupation or takeover of a building or area, often by protesters or armed groups.
Specifically for hijacking of vehicles, especially aircraft. Loanword from English.
Taking over a job, responsibility, or position from someone else.
To take over duties, a role, or a task from a predecessor. Very common in workplace contexts.
前任者から仕事を引き継ぐ。
Take over the work from the previous person.
彼が退職した後、私がプロジェクトを引き継ぎました。
After he retired, I took over the project.
To become the successor or replacement. More formal, often used in official announcements.
彼の後任として営業部長に就任した。
I took over as sales manager, succeeding him.
Succession or inheritance, often used for traditions, thrones, or leadership roles.
When one group, idea, or thing becomes dominant or takes over a market, conversation, etc.
Domination or control. Can be used for market dominance, controlling a conversation, etc.
スマートフォンが市場を支配している。
Smartphones have taken over the market.
To sweep or take over (a market, field, etc.), often implying rapid and overwhelming success.
その新製品は市場を席巻した。
The new product took over the market.
Monopoly or exclusive control. Used when one entity completely takes over a market.
The English word 'takeover' is very broad. Directly translating it as テイクオーバー is rarely used in natural Japanese. Always choose a word that matches the specific context (business, force, succession, etc.).
買収 (baishū) is a neutral or business term for acquisition, while 乗っ取り (nottori) implies a hostile or illegal takeover. Use 買収 for standard M&A, and 乗っ取り for hijackings, coups, or hostile corporate raids.
軍が首都を掌握した。
The military took over the capital.
Students took over the university building.
ハイジャック犯は投降した。
The hijackers surrendered.
王位継承の順位が変わった。
The order of succession to the throne changed.
巨大企業が業界を独占している。
A giant corporation has a monopoly on the industry.