1.
command, direction, leadership
Leading and directing a group of people in a coordinated effort, such as military operations, emergency response, or organizational activities.
隊長が現場で指揮を執った。
The team leader took command at the scene.
彼の指揮のもとでプロジェクトが成功した。
The project succeeded under his direction.
消防隊は指揮系統に従って行動する。
The fire brigade acts according to the chain of command.
2.
conducting (music)
Directing an orchestra, band, or choir by guiding the tempo, dynamics, and expression of a musical performance.
有名な指揮者がオーケストラを指揮した。
A famous conductor conducted the orchestra.
彼女は指揮棒を振りながら、オーケストラ全体をまとめていた。
She brought the entire orchestra together while waving the baton.
卒業式で校歌の指揮を任された。
I was entrusted with conducting the school song at the graduation ceremony.
USAGE:
指揮 is used in both military/organizational and musical contexts. The word carries a sense of authoritative leadership and coordination.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 指揮を執る (to take command)
- 指揮官 (commander, commanding officer)
- 指揮者 (conductor — in music)
- 指揮棒 (conductor's baton)
- 指揮系統 (chain of command)
HOMOPHONE NOTE:
Not to be confused with 〜式 (ceremony, style) or 四季 (four seasons), which share the same reading.