Japanese word

首脳

Pronunciation

Romajishunō

Meaning

  • nounleader

Example

両国の首脳が会談しました。ryō koku no shu nō ga kai dan shi ma shi ta

The leaders of the two countries held talks.

Illustration for 首脳 (leader)

More examples

国際会議では、各国の首脳が共同声明を発表しました。koku sai kai gi de wa kak koku no shu nō ga kyō dō sei mei o hap pyō shi ma shi ta

At the international conference, the leaders of various countries issued a joint statement.

Core concept

Describes the highest-ranking person or group responsible for guiding a country or organization.

Common phrases

  • 首脳会談shu nō kai dan

    summit talks

  • 首脳会議shu nō kai gi

    summit meeting

  • 各国の首脳kak koku no shu nō

    leaders of various countries

Similar words

トップtoppu: The highest-ranking person in an organization or group.
指導者shidōsha: A person who guides a country, organization, or group.
首長shuchō: The head of a local government or organization.

Definition in Japanese

国や組織の運営を担う最上位の指導者、またはその集団。kuni ya so shiki no un ei o nina u sai jō i no shi dō sha ma ta wa so no shū dan

Word origin

The compound 首脳 (shunō) is made from 首 (shu, "head") and 脳 (nō, "brain"), and it came to mean the leading figures of a group.

Usage tips

  • Unlike the broad English word leader, 首脳 (shunō) usually refers to the top decision-makers of a country or organization, not an ordinary team captain.

Other meanings

  • headnoun

Word lists with this word