Translation guide
The English word 'chief' can refer to a leader of a group, the most important thing, or a high-ranking official. This guide helps learners express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
Referring to the person in charge of a team, department, tribe, or organization.
A common suffix meaning 'head' or 'chief' of a group. Attach to the group name.
彼は部長です。
He is the department chief.
新しい校長が来週着任します。
The new school principal will take office next week.
Loanword from English, used in business or creative contexts (e.g., chief editor, chief designer).
彼女はプロジェクトのチーフです。
She is the chief of the project.
Often translated as 'chief' in job titles, but implies a senior staff member or supervisor rather than top leader.
彼は営業主任です。
He is the sales chief.
Specifically a tribal chief or clan leader.
その族長は部族の伝統を守っている。
The chief preserves the tribe's traditions.
Describing the main or principal thing among others.
Attributive adjective meaning 'main' or 'chief'. Used before nouns.
主な理由はコスト削減です。
The chief reason is cost reduction.
More formal than 主な, meaning 'principal' or 'major'.
主要な目的は市場シェアの拡大です。
The chief objective is to expand market share.
Literally 'number one', used for 'chief' in the sense of primary or foremost.
安全が第一の関心事です。
Safety is the chief concern.
Referring to a top official in a government or uniformed service.
Used for agency heads, e.g., police chief, defense chief.
警察長官が記者会見を開いた。
The police chief held a press conference.
Chief of a headquarters or bureau, often used in police/fire departments.
消防本部長が現場に到着した。
The fire chief arrived at the scene.
In English, 'chief' is often used as a standalone title (e.g., 'Chief, can I ask you something?'). In Japanese, directly addressing someone as 長 or チーフ is unnatural. Use their name with an appropriate title (e.g., 部長, 田中さん) or simply omit the title if the relationship is clear.
部長、ちょっとお聞きしたいことがあります。
Chief, I'd like to ask you something.