Japanese word

少将

Pronunciation

Romajishōshō

Meaning

  • nounmajor general

Example

陸軍の少将が部隊を視察します。riku gun no shō shō ga bu tai o shi satsu shi ma su

The army's major general inspects the unit.

Illustration for 少将 (major general)

More examples

彼は長年の功績が認められ、少将に昇進しました。kare wa naga nen no kō seki ga mito me ra re shō shō ni shō shin shi ma shi ta

His long service was recognized, and he was promoted to major general.

Core concept

Describes an upper-level military rank that stands below the lieutenant-general equivalent and receives different titles in the army, navy, and air force.

Common phrases

  • 陸軍の少将riku gun no shō shō

    army major general

  • 少将に昇進するshō shō ni shō shin su ru

    be promoted to major general

  • 少将として勤務するshō shō to shi te kin mu su ru

    serve as a major general

Definition in Japanese

軍隊で、中将より下位に当たる将官の階級。gun tai de chū jō yo ri ka i ni a ta ru shō kan no kai kyū

Word origin

少将 (shōshō) comes from the Sino-Japanese rank term formed by 少 (shō, "lesser") and 将 (shō, "commander"), indicating a commander below 中将 (chūjō).

Usage tips

  • In the U.S. Army, a major general is a two-star general, which distinguishes the title from the separate rank of major.

Other meanings

  • rear admiralnoun
  • air commodorenoun

Word lists with this word