一歩譲る · godan verb (-ru)
| Form | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary | 一歩譲る | 一歩譲らない |
| Polite | 一歩譲ります | 一歩譲りません |
| Past polite | 一歩譲りました | 一歩譲りませんでした |
| Past | 一歩譲った | 一歩譲らなかった |
| Te-form | 一歩譲って | 一歩譲らないで |
| Desire | 一歩譲りたい | 一歩譲りたくない |
| Potential | 一歩譲れる | 一歩譲れない |
| Passive | 一歩譲られる | 一歩譲られない |
| Causative | 一歩譲らせる | 一歩譲らせない |
| Causative passive | 一歩譲らせられるalso 一歩譲らされる | 一歩譲らせられないalso 一歩譲らされない |
| Volitional | 一歩譲ろう | |
| Polite volitional | 一歩譲りましょう | |
| Imperative | 一歩譲れ | 一歩譲るな |
| Conditional | 一歩譲れば | 一歩譲らなければ |
| Tara conditional | 一歩譲ったら | 一歩譲らなかったら |
be slightly inferior; be a degree worse
Used when comparing two things, indicating that one is a little worse or falls short by a small margin. Often appears in the pattern ～より一歩譲る.
This car is slightly inferior to that one in performance.
give an inch; make a concession; concede a point
Used in discussions or negotiations when someone yields a little ground or accepts a small compromise. Often implies a strategic or reluctant concession.
In negotiations, it's also important to give an inch to the other side first.