Japanese word

参謀

Pronunciation

Romajisanbō

Meaning

  • nounstaff officer

Example

彼は司令官の参謀です。kare wa shi rei kan no san bō de su

He is the commander's staff officer.

Illustration for 参謀 (staff officer)

More examples

指揮官は経験豊かな参謀に相談します。shi ki kan wa kei ken yuta ka na san bō ni sō dan shi ma su

The commander consults an experienced staff officer.

Core concept

Refers to an expert adviser who supports a leader by thinking through plans and strategy.

Common phrases

  • 参謀を置くsan bō o o ku

    appoint a staff officer

  • 参謀に助言を求めるsan bō ni jo gen o moto me ru

    seek advice from a staff officer

Similar words

軍師gunshi: A strategist who advises a leader, especially in historical or fictional military settings.
顧問komon: An adviser who gives expert guidance to a person or organization in a specific field.
副官fukukan: An officer who assists a commander with administrative and liaison duties.

Definition in Japanese

司令官などの指揮者に付き、作戦の立案や指揮の補佐をする人。shi rei kan na do no shi ki sha ni tsu ki saku sen no ritsu an ya shi ki no ho sa o su ru hito

Word origin

As a Sino-Japanese compound, 参謀 (sanbō) combines 参 (san, "participate") and 謀 (bō, "plan"), describing someone involved in planning.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese, 参謀 (sanbō) often suggests a skilled planner working closely with a leader, while English staff officer usually has a military setting.

Other meanings

  • strategistnoun
  • military advisernoun

Word lists with this word