左右する【さゆうする】

左右する (さゆうする) literally means "to move left and right," but it is used idiomatically to mean "to influence," "to affect," "to control," or "to determine" the outcome or direction of something. It implies that something has a significant or decisive impact on a result, situation, or outcome.

The typical structure is A が／は B を 左右する, meaning "A influences / determines B."

This expression is used in contexts involving important decisions, outcomes, or situations where something has the power to significantly change the course of events. It carries a somewhat formal or serious tone and often appears in written language, news, speeches, and discussions about business, education, or life decisions.

Passive form: 左右される

When the subject is the thing being influenced, the passive form さゆう左右される is used, meaning "to be influenced by" or "to be swayed by."

The passive form is especially common when expressing that someone or something is at the mercy of external factors.