Japanese word

側近

Pronunciation

Romajisokkin

Meaning

  • nounclose aide

Example

社長の側近が会議に出ます。sha chō no sok kin ga kai gi ni de ma su

The company president's close aide attends the meeting.

Illustration for 側近 (close aide)

More examples

新しい政策について、首相の側近が記者団に説明します。atara shi i sei saku ni tsu i te shu shō no sok kin ga ki sha dan ni setsu mei shi ma su

The prime minister's close aide explains the new policy to the press.

Core concept

Refers to someone who remains near a leader and handles advice or support as part of the leader's inner circle.

Common phrases

  • 首相の側近shu shō no sok kin

    the prime minister's close aide

  • 側近を務めるsok kin o tsuto me ru

    serve as a close aide

Similar words

腹心fukushin: A person trusted to support a leader closely and handle important matters.
右腕migiude: A trusted assistant who takes responsibility for important work on a leader's behalf.
補佐役hosayaku: A person who helps a leader carry out duties and make decisions.
参謀sanbō: A person who gives a leader strategic advice and helps develop plans.

Definition in Japanese

権力者や組織の上位者の近くで、相談に乗ったり仕事を助けたりする人。ken ryoku sha ya so shiki no jō i sha no chika ku de sō dan ni no tta ri shi goto o tasu ke ta ri su ru hito

Word origin

側 (soku, "side") and 近 (kin, "near") combine in 側近 (sokkin) to express a person positioned near a leader for close assistance.

Usage tips

  • 側近 (sokkin) is common in Japanese reporting about leaders, and its sense of an inner-circle aide is stronger than the simple idea of a nearby coworker.

Other meanings

  • retainernoun

Word lists with this word