Translation guide
The English idiom 'pull strings' means to use one's influence or connections, often secretly, to get something done or to help someone. This guide covers natural Japanese ways to express this idea, from common phrases to more specific or formal expressions.
The speaker uses their personal connections or influence, often behind the scenes, to achieve a desired outcome.
A very common and natural way to say 'pull strings' in casual and business contexts. 'コネ' comes from 'connection' and implies using personal relationships to get an advantage.
彼はコネを使ってその仕事に就いた。
He pulled strings to get that job.
コネを使わないと、あの大学には入れないよ。
You can't get into that university without pulling strings.
Literally 'to turn one's hand', this means to make arrangements behind the scenes, often by contacting influential people. It implies discreet maneuvering.
A Japanese business term meaning to lay the groundwork or build consensus informally before a formal decision. It's a form of pulling strings through prior consultation.
会議の前に根回しをしておいたので、提案はすんなり通った。
I pulled strings before the meeting, so the proposal was accepted smoothly.
A more formal way to say 'use one's network of contacts'. It emphasizes the human connections rather than secret deals.
彼は豊富な人脈を利用して、新しいプロジェクトを立ち上げた。
He pulled strings using his extensive network to launch a new project.
Literally 'backstage maneuvering', this has a stronger nuance of underhanded or secret dealings. Use with caution as it can sound negative.
彼は裏工作をしてライバルを失脚させた。
He pulled strings behind the scenes to bring down his rival.
Both mean 'pull strings', but コネを使う focuses on using personal connections, while 手を回す emphasizes the act of making arrangements discreetly. コネ is more casual and commonly used in everyday speech.
コネを使って入社した。
He got into the company by pulling strings (using connections).
部長が手を回してくれた。
The department head pulled strings for me (made arrangements).
Do not translate 'pull strings' literally as 糸を引く (ito o hiku). That phrase means 'to pull a string' physically or 'to manipulate from behind the scenes' in a puppet-master sense, which is different from using influence to help someone.
彼が手を回してくれたおかげで、早く手続きが終わった。
Thanks to him pulling strings, the paperwork was finished quickly.
社長が手を回して、その取引を成立させた。
The president pulled strings to make the deal happen.