Translation guide
The English word 'leverage' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: using something to gain an advantage, the mechanical concept, and financial leverage. It provides natural Japanese expressions for each.
Using something as a means to gain an advantage or influence over a situation or person.
use something as leverage · have leverage over someone · gain leverage
General term for influence or power to affect outcomes. Often used in business and politics.
彼は会社内で大きな影響力を持っている。
He has a lot of leverage within the company.
Literally 'negotiation material'. Used when you have something that gives you an advantage in negotiations.
その情報は交渉の材料として使える。
That information can be used as leverage in negotiations.
Means 'strength' or 'strong point'. Used when referring to a personal or organizational advantage.
彼の経験が交渉での強みになった。
His experience became leverage in the negotiation.
Literally 'lever insertion'. Metaphorically means using influence or pressure to improve a situation, often in business contexts.
政府は景気にてこ入れする政策を発表した。
The government announced policies to leverage the economy.
The physical principle of using a lever to multiply force.
The principle of leverage. Used in physics and everyday explanations.
てこの原理を使えば重い物も簡単に持ち上げられる。
Using leverage, you can lift heavy objects easily.
Simply means 'lever'. Can be used to refer to the tool or the concept of leverage.
てこを使って岩を動かした。
We moved the rock using leverage.
Using borrowed capital to increase the potential return of an investment.
Katakana loanword from English, commonly used in finance and investing contexts.
レバレッジをかけて投資するのはリスクが高い。
Investing with leverage is high risk.
Formal term for borrowed capital, used in accounting and corporate finance.
企業は借入資本を活用して成長を加速させる。
Companies use leverage to accelerate growth.
Do not translate 'leverage' as てこ in non-mechanical contexts unless it's a clear metaphor. For influence, use 影響力 or 交渉の材料.
影響力 is about influence over others or situations, while 強み is an inherent strength or advantage. Use 影響力 when you can affect outcomes; use 強み when you possess a beneficial quality.