Translation guide
The concept of domination can be expressed in Japanese through words for control, supremacy, or overwhelming influence. The best choice depends on the context: political/military dominance, sports/competition, personal relationships, or abstract influence.
Expressing domination as exercising authority, power, or control over people, groups, or territories.
The most general term for domination, rule, or control. Used for political, economic, or psychological control.
その国は隣国を支配下に置いた。
That country brought its neighbor under its domination.
彼は会社を完全に支配している。
He completely dominates the company.
Refers to governance or rule, often with a connotation of administration. More formal and less about raw power.
その地域は長年、外国の統治下にあった。
The region was under foreign domination for many years.
Subduing or bringing under control by force, often military or police action.
警察は暴動を制圧した。
The police dominated (suppressed) the riot.
Expressing domination as being overwhelmingly superior or consistently winning against opponents.
Overwhelming or overpowering. Often used as a suru-verb (圧倒する) to mean 'dominate' in a competitive sense.
彼は試合で相手を圧倒した。
He dominated his opponent in the match.
そのチームはリーグを圧倒している。
That team is dominating the league.
Conquest or domination, often used in phrases like '世界制覇' (world domination) in sports or business contexts.
Expressing domination as having a powerful, often intangible, influence over a field, discussion, or atmosphere.
Adjectival form meaning 'dominant' or 'prevailing'. Used for ideas, trends, or atmospheres.
その会議では彼の意見が支配的だった。
His opinion dominated the meeting.
この地域ではその宗教が支配的だ。
That religion is dominant in this region.
To sweep or dominate a market, field, or trend. Often used in business or cultural contexts.
To dominate or control behind the scenes. Colloquial and slightly negative.
Expressing domination as one person controlling or overpowering another in a relationship.
The verb form of 支配, used for controlling a partner or friend.
彼は恋人を支配しようとする。
He tries to dominate his partner.
To stand above, meaning to dominate or take a superior position in a relationship.
彼はいつも人より上に立とうとする。
He always tries to dominate others.
支配 (shihai) is about control and rule, often over a long period. 圧倒 (attou) is about overwhelming force or superiority in a specific situation, like a game or debate. Use 支配 for political or organizational domination, and 圧倒 for competitive or momentary domination.
独裁者が国を支配する。
A dictator dominates the country.
彼の才能が他の選手を圧倒した。
His talent dominated the other players.
The English noun 'domination' often translates naturally to a verb phrase in Japanese. Using the noun 支配 directly can sound stiff. Consider using 支配する or 圧倒する instead of just 支配.
彼は試合を支配した。
He dominated the match.
その会社の市場支配は完全だ。
The company's domination of the market is complete.
彼らはライバルを圧倒した。
They achieved domination over their rivals.
A situation where one person or team completely dominates, leaving no chance for others. Literally 'one-man stage'.
彼の独壇場だった。
It was his complete domination.
Aim for world domination.
その新製品は市場を席巻した。
The new product dominated the market.
彼が組織を牛耳っている。
He dominates the organization (from behind).