Japanese word

大将

Pronunciation

Romajitaishō

Meaning

  • noungeneral

Example

大将は軍を指揮します。tai shō wa gun o shi ki shi ma su

The general commands the army.

Illustration for 大将 (general)

More examples

優れた大将は、状況を見て作戦を変えます。sugu re ta tai shō wa jō kyō o mi te saku sen o ka e ma su

A great general changes the strategy based on the situation.

Core concept

Describes a person who holds command over others, especially at the highest level of a military force.

Common phrases

  • 大将の作戦tai shō no saku sen

    the general's strategy

  • 大将に従うtai shō ni shitaga u

    follow the general

Similar words

将軍shōgun: A senior military leader responsible for directing a large army or force.
司令官shireikan: A military officer in charge of a particular force, area, or mission.
指揮官shikikan: A person who leads and controls a group of soldiers in action.

Definition in Japanese

軍隊を指揮する高い地位の人。gun tai o shi ki su ru taka i chi i no hito

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese word combines 大 (dai, "great") and 将 (shō, "commander"), giving the sense of a high-ranking commander.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 大将 (taishō) can also refer informally to the male owner or head of a small shop, not only to a military commander.

Other meanings

  • bossnoun
  • admiralnoun

Word lists with this word