Translation guide
The English word "lead" has many meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: guiding someone, being in charge, causing a result, being ahead, and the metal. It also covers the noun form meaning a clue or example.
To take someone to a place by going in front or showing the route.
General verb for guiding or showing someone around.
He led me to the station.
To guide or lead, often in a more abstract or directional sense.
The stars led us.
To lead the way, often used in formal or ceremonial contexts.
He led the procession.
To be the leader of a group, organization, or activity.
To lead a group of people, such as a team or army.
He led the team to victory.
Loanword from English, often used in business or sports contexts.
She is leading the project.
To command or direct, especially in military or musical contexts.
The general led the army.
To cause something to happen or someone to do something.
To be winning or in front in a race, game, or contest.
The chemical element Pb, a heavy metal.
The standard word for the metal lead.
This pipe is made of lead.
A piece of information that helps solve a problem or serves as a model.
The past tense of 'lead' is 'led', which is pronounced like the metal 'lead'. Be careful not to confuse it with 'read' (past tense).
案内する is for physically guiding someone to a place, while 導く is more abstract, like guiding someone spiritually or intellectually.
To be at the front, literally or figuratively.
He is running in the lead.
He set a lead for other employees.