独占

• Reading: どくせん
• Romaji: dokusen
• Kanji breakdown: 独 (doku) — alone, single; 占 (sen) — to occupy, possess
• Pronunciation: /do.kɯ.se.ɴ/

Meaning

Monopoly; exclusive possession. Control of a market or resource by a single entity, excluding all competition.

A noun and suru-verb meaning to monopolise or exclusively possess. In economics, it describes a market structure where one company dominates supply with no meaningful competition. 独占禁止法 (Dokusen Kinshi Ho), administered by the Japan Fair Trade Commission (公正取引委員会), prohibits anti-competitive monopolisation. Also used informally to mean hogging attention or conversation.

Examples

1. その企業は国内市場をほぼ独占しており、競合他社が参入できない状況だ。 That company virtually monopolises the domestic market, leaving competitors unable to enter.
2. 独占禁止法違反の疑いで、公正取引委員会が調査に乗り出した。 The Japan Fair Trade Commission launched an investigation into suspected violations of the Antimonopoly Act.
3. 人気俳優がメディアを独占し、どのチャンネルでも彼の顔ばかりだった。 A popular actor monopolised the media — his face was on every channel.

Usage Guide

Context: competition law, economics, market analysis

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From 独 (doku) meaning 'alone, single' and 占 (sen) meaning 'to occupy, to possess.' The compound captures the idea of a single entity occupying an entire market.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal