Translation guide
The English word "leading" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: being in first place, being the most important, guiding someone, and causing a result. Each meaning has different natural Japanese expressions.
To describe someone or something that is ahead in a race, competition, or ranking.
Commonly used for being in first place in sports, business, or rankings. Often used with に立つ or を走る.
He is leading the marathon.
A loanword from English, very common in casual and business contexts. Often used with に立つ or を走る.
This company is leading the industry.
Used for having a lead in a race or competition. Often used with している or を奪う.
He is leading by two points.
To describe a person, organization, or thing that is the most prominent or influential in a field.
Means 'main' or 'principal'. Used for leading roles, factors, etc. It is a na-adjective.
He is a leading member of this project.
Means 'first-class' or 'top-notch'. Used for leading experts, companies, etc.
She is a leading scientist.
Means 'leading' in the sense of taking initiative or guiding. Often used for roles or positions.
To describe the action of guiding someone physically or metaphorically.
Means 'to guide' or 'to show around'. Used for leading a person to a place or through a process.
He led me to the station.
Means 'to guide' or 'to lead' in a more abstract or spiritual sense. Often used for leading people to a goal or truth.
Means 'to lead the way' physically, often in a procession or group. More formal.
The guide led the tour.
To describe something that causes a particular outcome.
Means 'leads to' or 'results in'. Used for cause-and-effect relationships.
Lack of exercise can lead to health problems.
Means 'to cause' or 'to bring about'. Often used for negative outcomes.
The policy led to confusion.
The phrase 'leading question' is not translated directly. Use 誘導尋問 (ゆうどうじんもん) in legal contexts, or 誘導的な質問 (ゆうどうてきなしつもん) more generally.
The lawyer asked the witness a leading question.
He played a leading role in the negotiations.
先生は生徒たちを成功に導いた。
The teacher led the students to success.