Translation guide
The English word 'takeover' covers a wide range of situations, from business acquisitions to seizing control by force. This guide organizes the most useful Japanese expressions by the specific type of takeover you want to express.
When one company buys or gains control of another, especially in a corporate context.
The standard term for a corporate acquisition or buyout. Can be used for both friendly and hostile takeovers.
The company became the target of a takeover by a rival.
More companies are introducing anti-takeover measures.
Specifically 'corporate takeover/merger and acquisition'. Often used in news and business contexts.
News of the corporate takeover affected stock prices.
A 'hostile takeover', where the target company's management opposes the acquisition.
They were subjected to a hostile takeover bid.
The abbreviation for 'mergers and acquisitions', commonly used in Japanese business. Often pronounced as 'M and A'.
Consult an M&A specialist.
Taking over control of a country, organization, or vehicle by force, coup, or hijacking.
General term for a forcible takeover, hijacking, or usurpation. Can be used for planes, companies, governments, etc.
A plane hijacking incident occurred.
To seize or grasp control, often used for power, authority, or a situation. More formal than 乗っ取り.
Occupation or takeover of a building or area, often by protesters or armed groups.
Specifically for hijacking of vehicles, especially aircraft. Loanword from English.
Taking over a job, responsibility, or position from someone else.
To take over duties, a role, or a task from a predecessor. Very common in workplace contexts.
Take over the work from the previous person.
To become the successor or replacement. More formal, often used in official announcements.
Succession or inheritance, often used for traditions, thrones, or leadership roles.
When one group, idea, or thing becomes dominant or takes over a market, conversation, etc.
Domination or control. Can be used for market dominance, controlling a conversation, etc.
Smartphones have taken over the market.
To sweep or take over (a market, field, etc.), often implying rapid and overwhelming success.
The new product took over the market.
Monopoly or exclusive control. Used when one entity completely takes over a market.
The English word 'takeover' is very broad. Directly translating it as テイクオーバー is rarely used in natural Japanese. Always choose a word that matches the specific context (business, force, succession, etc.).
買収 (baishū) is a neutral or business term for acquisition, while 乗っ取り (nottori) implies a hostile or illegal takeover. Use 買収 for standard M&A, and 乗っ取り for hijackings, coups, or hostile corporate raids.
The takeover of the government by a coup d'état.
軍が首都を掌握した。
The military took over the capital.
Students took over the university building.
The hijackers surrendered.
After he retired, I took over the project.
I took over as sales manager, succeeding him.
王位継承の順位が変わった。
The order of succession to the throne changed.
巨大企業が業界を独占している。
A giant corporation has a monopoly on the industry.