Translation guide
The seat where the driver sits in a vehicle. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the word 運転席 (untenseki). There are also related terms for the passenger seat and back seat.
Referring to the seat in a vehicle from which the driver operates it.
The standard, neutral term for the driver's seat in any vehicle (car, bus, truck, etc.).
Metaphorically being in charge or in a position of control.
Literally 'to sit in the driver's seat', used figuratively to mean taking control or being in charge of a situation.
彼がプロジェクトの運転席に座っている。
He is in the driver's seat of the project.
彼は運転席に座った。
He sat in the driver's seat.
運転席のシートベルトを締めてください。
Please fasten the driver's seat belt.
A loanword from English, used especially in car contexts or when emphasizing the seat itself. Less common than 運転席.
この車のドライバーズシートはとても快適だ。
The driver's seat of this car is very comfortable.
Means 'to take the initiative' or 'to seize control', often used in business or competitive contexts. Not a direct translation but conveys the figurative meaning.
交渉で主導権を握った。
We took the driver's seat in the negotiations.