Translation guide
The person or thing that is leading in a race, competition, or election. In Japanese, this is expressed with specific nouns and phrases depending on context.
The person or team currently in first place or most likely to win.
The most common term for a strong candidate, especially in elections or job selections.
彼が次の社長の有力候補だ。
He is the front runner for the next president.
The company or product that is ahead in a market or industry.
Means 'industry top', the leading company in a field.
その会社は業界トップの座を守っている。
That company maintains its position as the front runner in the industry.
有力候補 is a strong candidate, while 本命 implies the favorite or most likely winner. 本命 is often used in predictions, whereas 有力候補 is more neutral.
彼は有力候補だが、本命ではない。
He is a strong candidate, but not the front runner.
Literally 'favorite', used for the most likely winner in races, elections, or contests.
選挙では彼が本命と見られている。
He is seen as the front runner in the election.
Loanword from English, often used in sports or business contexts for the leading person or company.
彼はマラソンのトップランナーだ。
He is the front runner in the marathon.
Literally 'lead runner', used in track or road races. More literal and less common in metaphorical use.
先頭走者がペースを上げた。
The front runner picked up the pace.
First place, used in rankings or market share.
この製品は市場で首位を走っている。
This product is the front runner in the market.