主導権を握る

• Reading: しゅどうけんをにぎる
• Romaji: shudouken wo nigiru
• Kanji breakdown: 主 (shu) — main, master; 導 (dō) — guide, lead; 権 (ken) — right, authority; 握 (aku/nigi) — grip, grasp
• Pronunciation: /ɕɯ.doː.keɴ.o.ni.gi.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To seize the initiative; to take the lead; to gain control. Describes taking command of a situation or process.

An expression using the Group 1 (godan) verb 握る (to grip). Literally means to grasp the right of leadership. Used in business negotiations, politics, sports, and any competitive context where one party gains a decisive advantage or takes control of proceedings.

Examples

1. 交渉の主導権を握ることが重要だ。 It's important to seize the initiative in negotiations.
2. 後半に入ってから相手チームが主導権を握った。 The opposing team took control after the second half started.
3. 新しい技術を開発し、業界の主導権を握りたい。 I want to develop new technology and take the lead in the industry.

Usage Guide

Context: business, politics, sports

Tone: assertive

Origin & History

Compound of 主導権 (initiative, leadership right) and 握る (to grip, grasp). The image of physically grasping control conveys the decisive nature of taking charge.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional