Japanese word

親方

Pronunciation

Romajioyakata

Meaning

  • nounboss

Example

あの親方はみんなに人気があります。a no oya kata wa mi n na ni nin ki ga a ri ma su

That boss is popular with everyone.

Illustration for 親方 (boss)

More examples

祭りの準備では、親方が全体の指揮を執りました。matsu ri no jun bi de wa oya kata ga zen tai no shi ki o to ri ma shi ta

During the festival preparations, the boss directed the whole operation.

Core concept

It refers to a seasoned leader who stands above a group and takes responsibility for guiding its members and their work.

Common phrases

  • 親方に相談するoya kata ni sō dan su ru

    consult the boss

  • 親方の指示oya kata no shi ji

    the boss's instructions

  • 親方と呼ぶoya kata to yo bu

    call someone boss

Similar words

棟梁tōryō: A skilled leader who directs craftsmen and oversees their work.
頭領tōryō: The leader who commands a group or organization.
大将taishō: The person in charge of a group, often in a familiar setting.

Definition in Japanese

職人や弟子などを指導し、仕事全体を管理する経験豊かな上役。また、組織を取り仕切る責任者。shoku nin ya de shi na do o shi dō shi shi goto zen tai o kan ri su ru kei ken yuta ka na uwa yaku ma ta so shiki o to ri shi ki ru seki nin sha

Word origin

親方 (oyakata) combines 親 (oya, "parent") with 方 (kata, "person"). The compound describes a senior person who has the authority and responsibility to guide others.

Usage tips

  • The sumo term 親方 (oyakata) appears in English sports coverage as a title for a former wrestler who trains wrestlers and works at a sumo stable.

Other meanings

  • masternoun
  • foremannoun

Word lists with this word