Translation guide
The state of having more people or things than an opponent or comparison group. In Japanese, this is expressed through specific nouns and set phrases, often used in military, sports, or competitive contexts.
Expressing that one side has more people, troops, or countable units than another.
A common verb phrase meaning 'to surpass in numbers'. Used in both literal and figurative contexts.
敵は数で勝っていた。
The enemy had numerical superiority.
A noun meaning 'numerical advantage'. Neutral and widely used in analysis, sports, and military contexts.
数的優位を生かして攻めた。
They attacked, taking advantage of their numerical superiority.
Literally 'large number'. Often used in phrases like 多数の優位 (advantage of numbers) or 多数を頼む (rely on numbers).
多数の優位は明らかだった。
The numerical superiority was obvious.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to let numbers do the talking' or 'to overwhelm with numbers'. Implies using sheer quantity to achieve something.
数に物を言わせて押し切った。
They pushed through by sheer force of numbers.
Specifically referring to having more troops, weapons, or forces in a battle or conflict.
Directly means 'superiority in military strength/numbers'. Formal and precise.
兵力の優位にもかかわらず敗れた。
Despite their numerical superiority, they were defeated.
A classical phrase meaning 'to defeat a larger force with a smaller one'. Used proverbially or in historical contexts.
寡兵をもって多兵を制す戦術が光った。
The tactic of overcoming numerical superiority with a small force was brilliant.
Having more players on the field due to a penalty or substitution rules.
Common in sports commentary. Means 'to gain a numerical advantage' (e.g., after a red card).
相手の退場で数的優位に立った。
They gained numerical superiority after the opponent was sent off.
A simple, colloquial way to say 'one player up'. Often used in casual sports talk.
後半はずっと一人多い状態だった。
We had numerical superiority for the entire second half.
The direct translation '数的優越' is rarely used. Stick to common collocations like 数的優位 or 数で勝る.
数で勝る is a verb phrase focusing on the action of surpassing, while 数的優位 is a noun describing the state. Use 数で勝る when emphasizing the dynamic aspect, and 数的優位 for static description.