支配的
shihaiteki[ɕiha̠ite̞kʲi]
The Japanese word for dominant is 支配的 (shihaiteki).
支配的 is used to describe a person, organization or concept that exerts power, control or influence over others. It translates to predominant or common in an adjective sense.
Meaning: predominant, common (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 支配的 refers to control or power, if you are describing a team or player that is currently leading or has the advantage in a competition or game, it is better to use 優勢な.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use 支配的 as an attributive adjective modifying a noun, you must add the particle な to form 支配的な. In a plain sentence, it is typically followed by だ to function as a predicate, forming 支配的だ.
How do you pronounce it?
shihaiteki
Did you know?
- The word 支配 (shihai) used in 支配的 contains the character for 'governance' and 'control', but in a modern hotel context, a 支配人 (shihainin) is simply the general manager.
- In Japanese business or political contexts, using 支配的 can carry a heavy, almost oppressive nuance of 'domineering' rather than just being the most prominent. It often implies a loss of autonomy for the party being controlled.
- The word 支配 (shihai) is the same term used in historical contexts to describe 'rule' or 'governance' by a monarch or a government. This gives the word a much more formal and structural weight than the English word 'control'.
Examples in context
- 彼女はそのグループで支配的な地位を築いている。She has established a dominant position within the group.
- その会社は業界で優位な地位を持っている。The company holds a dominant position in the industry.
- 彼の支配力は周囲の人々を引きつけている。His dominance attracts people around him.
- 彼女は会社でやりたい放題だ。She does as she pleases in the company.
- 彼はグループ内で支配的な立場にいる。Kare wa gurūpu nai de shihaiteki na tachiba ni iru.He holds a dominant position within the group.
- この地域では、その意見が支配的だ。Kono chiiki de wa, sono iken ga shihaiteki da.In this area, that opinion is predominant.
- 支配的な影響力を持つ企業が増えている。Shihaiteki na eikyōryoku o motsu kigyō ga fuete iru.Companies with a dominant influence are increasing.
Example conversation
Yota and Yui are discussing market trends in a business meeting.
- 陽太 Yota今の市場は、大企業が支配的ですよね。ima no shijō wa, daikigyō ga shihaiteki desu yo ne.Large companies are dominant in the current market, aren't they?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、結衣もそう思います。hai, Yui mo sō omoimasu.Yes, Yui thinks so too.
- 陽太 Yota小規模な店は厳しい状況です。shōkibo na mise wa kibishii jōkyō desu.Small shops are in a difficult situation.
- 結衣 Yui競争に勝つのは難しいですね。kyōsō ni katsu no wa muzukashii desu ne.It is difficult to win the competition.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 支配的, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
