Translation guide
Expresses the idea of being in front, guiding, or initiating action. Japanese uses different words depending on whether you mean physically leading the way, taking initiative in a group, being ahead in a competition, or setting an example.
When someone steps forward to guide a group, start a project, or take charge of a situation.
Literally 'stand at the front'. Used when someone physically or metaphorically leads a group, often in a proactive way.
He took the lead and moved the project forward.
A loanword phrase meaning 'take leadership'. Common in business or team contexts.
She took the lead in the meeting.
Means 'seize the initiative' or 'take control'. Slightly stronger, implying you gain control over a situation.
We took the lead in the negotiations.
Literally 'take the lead vocal' from traditional music. Now means to take the initiative in organizing a social event or movement, often cheerfully.
He took the lead in organizing the drinking party.
When you go ahead of others to show the path or guide them somewhere.
Formal verb meaning 'to lead the way' or 'to guide'. Often used when someone walks ahead to show the route.
The guide took the lead and we climbed the mountain path.
A more descriptive phrase: 'stand in front and guide'. Natural in casual speech.
Noun meaning 'the head' or 'the front'. Used in phrases like 先頭を歩く (walk at the front).
When someone is in first place or leading in a contest, game, or ranking.
Loanword from English 'lead'. Commonly used in sports, games, and business contexts.
Our team is taking the lead by three points.
Means 'stand at the top' or 'take first place'. Used in rankings, leagues, or polls.
The singer took the lead on the charts.
Similar to 首位に立つ but more casual. 'Top' is a common loanword.
He took the lead in the race.
When someone acts first so that others will imitate or be inspired.
Means 'show an example' or 'set a model'. Often used when a leader demonstrates correct behavior.
The boss took the lead by reducing overtime himself.
Literally 'attach the first whip', meaning to be the first to do something, pioneering. Somewhat literary.
He took the lead in this field.
The English phrase 'take the lead' cannot be directly translated word-for-word into Japanese. Using リードを取る is possible but less natural than the options above. Choose the expression that matches the specific context.
He took the lead and showed us around.
彼が先頭を歩いた。
He walked at the front, taking the lead.