Japanese word

将軍

Pronunciation

Romajishōgun

Meaning

  • noungeneral

Example

将軍は兵士を率いました。shō gun wa hei shi o hiki i ma shi ta

The general led the soldiers.

Illustration for 将軍 (general)

More examples

戦いの前に、将軍は作戦を確認しました。tataka i no mae ni shō gun wa saku sen o kaku nin shi ma shi ta

Before the battle, the general reviewed the strategy.

Core concept

Describes the role of a senior commander who leads organized military forces.

Common phrases

  • 将軍の命令shō gun no mei rei

    the general's order

  • 将軍を務めるshō gun o tsuto me ru

    serve as a general

Similar words

大将taishō: A high-ranking military commander, often used as a title or form of address.
司令官shireikan: A person who commands a military unit, base, or operation.

Definition in Japanese

軍隊を統率する立場にある上級の指揮官。gun tai o tō sotsu su ru tachi ba ni a ru jō kyū no shi ki kan

Word origin

将軍 (shōgun) is formed from 将 (shō, "commander") and 軍 (gun, "army"), directly connecting the word with command over an army.

Usage tips

  • In English, general can be a military rank as well as a word meaning broad or non-specific, but 将軍 (shōgun) has the military meaning only.

Word lists with this word