Translation guide
The highest-ranking executive in a company, responsible for major decisions and overall management. In Japanese, the English abbreviation CEO is widely used, but there are also native titles depending on context.
The most common way to refer to a chief executive officer in modern Japanese business contexts.
The English abbreviation 'CEO' is widely understood and used in Japanese business settings, especially in international or tech companies. Pronounced as シーイーオー.
彼はその会社のCEOです。
He is the CEO of that company.
A formal Japanese translation of 'chief executive officer', often used in official documents or legal contexts. Literally 'highest management responsible person'.
最高経営責任者に就任しました。
I was appointed chief executive officer.
A common title for the top executive in a Japanese corporation, combining 'representative director' and 'president'. Often the equivalent of CEO in traditional Japanese companies.
代表取締役社長が会議を主導した。
The CEO led the meeting.
Referring to the person in charge of a company without specifying the exact title.
Literally 'company president', this is the most common and versatile term for the head of a company, often used interchangeably with CEO in everyday conversation.
社長が新しいプロジェクトを発表した。
The CEO announced a new project.
A general term for a business manager or executive, not necessarily the top person. Can be used when the exact title is unknown or unimportant.
In many Japanese companies, the title 社長 (president) is used for the top executive, while CEO is an imported concept. In traditional firms, 代表取締役社長 is the legal representative and often functions as CEO. In startups or global firms, CEO is used directly.
When addressing or referring to a CEO with their name, attach the title after the name, e.g., 田中社長 (Tanaka-shachō). For CEO, you can say 田中CEO, but this is less common in traditional settings.
彼女は昨年、最高経営責任者に昇進した。
She was promoted to chief executive officer last year.
CEOが会議でスピーチを行います。
The chief executive officer will give a speech at the conference.
彼女は有能な経営者だ。
She is a capable CEO.