Translation guide
A lever is a rigid bar used to apply force, or metaphorically, a means of exerting influence. This guide covers physical levers, control levers, and figurative uses.
physical lever (tool)
control lever (handle)
A rigid bar used with a pivot to lift or move something.
The most common word for a physical lever as a simple machine.
I lifted the heavy stone using a lever.
Loanword from English, often used for levers in machinery or as a component.
Pull this lever on the machine and it starts moving.
A handle or bar used to operate a mechanism, like in a vehicle or machine.
Standard term for control levers (gear shift, brake lever, etc.).
Operate the gear lever to change speed.
Refers to a knob or dial, sometimes used for small levers or controls.
Usually means steering wheel or handle, but can refer to a lever-like grip in some contexts.
Something used to gain advantage or exert influence.
Literally 'negotiation material'; a common term for leverage in bargaining.
I used that information as a lever (bargaining chip).
Means 'pressure', often used in the sense of exerting influence.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'to apply leverage' in a figurative sense, often in negotiations.
The loanword レバー is only for physical levers. For figurative 'leverage', use terms like 交渉材料 or 圧力.
Please turn the volume knob.
ドアのハンドルを押して開ける。
Push the door handle to open it.
彼に圧力をかけて同意させた。
I applied pressure (used leverage) to get him to agree.
We applied leverage to the other party and extracted concessions.