1.
initiative, preemptive action, first move
Taking action before the other party, gaining the advantage by acting first.
先手を打つ。
To take the initiative.
相手より先手を取ることが大切だ。
It's important to seize the initiative before your opponent.
ライバル会社に先手を取られる前に新商品を発表した。
We announced the new product before our rival company could beat us to it.
2.
first player, black (in shogi/go)
The player who makes the first move in board games such as shogi or go.
今回は先手でお願いします。
I'll go first this time, please.
将棋では先手がやや有利とされている。
In shogi, the first player is considered to have a slight advantage.
じゃんけんで勝った方が先手になる。
The one who wins rock-paper-scissors goes first.
KANJI:
先 (ahead/first) + 手 (hand/move). Literally "first hand."
USAGE:
The figurative sense (sense 1) is widely used in business, strategy, and everyday life. 先手を打つ and 先手を取る are the most common set phrases.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 先手を打つ: to make a preemptive move
- 先手を取る: to seize the initiative
- 先手必勝: "first move wins" (strategic principle)
Related Words
Antonym:
後手 (reactive position)