Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Monopoly" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "monopoly", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
独占
どくせん (dokusen)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
専売
せんばい (senbai)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "monopoly" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 独占 and 専売.
In Japanese, 独占 (どくせん (dokusen)) is typically associated with "monopoly; exclusive possession; hogging; keeping to oneself" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to a monopoly, exclusive possession, or hogging something entirely for oneself, preventing others from sharing it. Often used as 独占欲.
On the other hand, 専売 (せんばい (senbai)) maps to "monopoly; sole agency; exclusive sale" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Often used in business or economic contexts, referring to the exclusive right to sell a product or service. This can be by a private company. A literal translation of "monopoly" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "独占"
その巨大IT企業は、市場のシェアをほぼ_______し、独占禁止法違反の疑いで調査を受けました。
The giant IT corporation almost monopolized the market share and was investigated for violating the Antimonopoly Act.
Bilingual Context for "専売"
かつて、たばこは国によって専売されていました。
Tobacco was formerly a state monopoly.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "その巨大IT企業は、市場のシェアをほぼ_______し、 ＿＿＿ 禁止法違反の疑いで調査を受けました。" (Meaning: "The giant IT corporation almost monopolized the market share and was investigated for violating the Antimonopoly Act.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "独占" fits here because it means "monopoly; exclusive possession; hogging; keeping to oneself" in the context of: "The giant IT corporation almost monopolized the market share and was investigated for violating the Antimonopoly Act.". "専売" represents "monopoly; sole agency; exclusive sale".