社長 — meaning in English: The president

shachō · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for president

割合

wariai

戸口

toguchi

社長

shachō

涙

namida

診断

shindan

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formal common

Usage

Native speakers commonly use '社長' (shachō) in formal business contexts, especially when addressing or referring to the head of a company. For instance, during a meeting, employees might discuss company strategies and say, 'Our社長 wants us to improve our sales this quarter.' It's also used in social situations when introducing someone as the president of their organization.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 'CEO' (最高経営責任者, saikō keiei sekininsha), which also refers to a company's top executive. However, '社長' is more commonly used in Japan and carries a cultural weight that associates the role with leadership and responsibility within a corporate context, while 'CEO' is more global and may imply a different corporate structure.

Culture

'社長' (shachō) is derived from the kanji '社' meaning 'company' and '長' meaning 'long' or 'chief.' This term reflects the hierarchical nature of Japanese business culture, where the president often embodies authority and leadership. Interestingly, the role of '社長' has evolved in the modern business world, with many younger companies embracing a more collaborative leadership style, challenging traditional perceptions of authority.

FAQ

Q.What does the Japanese word '社長' mean in English?

'社長' (shachō) translates to 'president' or 'CEO' in English, specifically referring to the head of a company in a formal business setting.

Q.How do you address a社長 in Japanese?

When addressing a社長, it is respectful to use their name followed by '社長' (e.g., 'Tanaka社長') to show respect and acknowledge their position.

Q.Are there any informal ways to refer to a社長?

In more informal contexts, people may simply refer to the社長 by their name or use '社長' without the honorifics, but this is typically reserved for very casual settings among close colleagues.

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