Japanese word

部長

Pronunciation

Romajibuchō

Meaning

  • noundepartment head

Example

部長は朝早く会社に来ます。bu chō wa asa haya ku gai sha ni ki ma su

The department head comes to the office early.

Illustration for 部長 (department head)

More examples

部長の許可を得て、新しい企画を始めました。bu chō no kyo ka o e te atara shi i ki kaku o haji me ma shi ta

With the department head's permission, I started a new project.

Core concept

Refers to the person responsible for directing one department and overseeing its members and activities.

Common phrases

  • 部長の許可bu chō no kyo ka

    the department head's permission

  • 部長に相談するbu chō ni sō dan su ru

    consult the department head

  • 部長に報告するbu chō ni hō koku su ru

    report to the department head

Similar words

部門長bumonchō: The person responsible for directing one department and overseeing its staff and work.
課長kachō: The person who leads a section within an organization and manages its staff.
係長kakarichō: The person who supervises a smaller work unit and its members.

Definition in Japanese

会社などで、一つの部門を取りまとめて指揮する役職。また、その担当者。kai sha na do de hito tsu no bu mon o to ri ma to me te shi ki su ru yaku shoku ma ta so no tan tō sha

Word origin

The compound 部長 (buchō) is made from 部 (bu, "section") and 長 (chō, "chief"), so its parts describe a department chief.

Usage tips

  • Japanese speakers often use 部長 (buchō) as a title when addressing a department head, so the title can replace the person's name in direct conversation.

Word lists with this word