タクト
たくと
noun
(conductor's) baton; leadership
1.
conductor's baton
The thin stick used by an orchestra or choir conductor to keep time and direct the ensemble. The Japanese word is borrowed from German 'Taktstock' ('beat stick'), shortened to タクト.
指揮者がタクトを振る。
The conductor waves the baton.
タクトの先が繊細に動く。
The tip of the baton moves delicately.
有名な指揮者のタクトで演奏できるのは、オーケストラにとって光栄なことだ。
It is an honor for an orchestra to perform under the baton of a famous conductor.
2.
leadership; direction; command (figurative)
By metaphorical extension, the act of leading or directing a group or project. Most common in the set phrases タクトを振る ('to take the lead; to direct') and 指揮のタクト.
社長がタクトを振ってチームをまとめる。
The president takes the lead and brings the team together.
プロジェクトのタクトを振るのは誰ですか。
Who is directing the project?
新しい監督がタクトを振るようになってから、チームは見違えるほど強くなった。
Since the new manager took the helm, the team has become remarkably stronger.
Loanword from German 'Taktstock' ('beat stick'), shortened to タクト in Japanese. Written in katakana. The phrase タクトを振る ('to wave the baton') is the overwhelmingly dominant collocation and is used in both the literal (conducting) and figurative (leading) senses.
USAGE:
- Sense 1 is limited to contexts of classical music, choirs, and marching bands.
- Sense 2 is widespread in news and business writing: a politician, executive, or manager takes 'the baton' of a policy, project, or team. Sports commentary also uses it for team captains and managers.
- Not generally used for other kinds of batons (relay races use バトン).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- タクトを振る: to wave the baton / to take the lead
- 指揮者のタクト: the conductor's baton
- タクトを握る: to hold the baton (take command)
- タクトさばき: skill in handling the baton; directorial skill
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 指揮棒: conductor's baton — Japanese compound; more technical and less common than タクト in speech.
- バトン: baton — used for relay-race batons and police batons; not for conducting.
- 指揮: command; conducting — the general noun for directing or conducting.