Translation guide
In Japanese workplaces, the role of 'deputy manager' is expressed through specific job titles that vary by organization. The most common term is 副部長, but other terms like 次長 or 課長代理 may be used depending on the company structure. This guide covers the standard terms and how to use them naturally.
The most common and widely understood term for a deputy manager in a department or division.
Standard title for a deputy manager of a department (部). Used in many companies and organizations.
田中さんは営業部の副部長です。
Mr. Tanaka is the deputy manager of the sales department.
副部長に昇進しました。
I was promoted to deputy manager.
When the unit is a 課 (section) rather than a 部 (department), the title changes.
Deputy section chief or acting section manager. Used when the manager is a 課長.
彼は経理課の課長代理です。
He is the deputy manager of the accounting section.
Deputy section chief. Less common than 課長代理 but used in some organizations.
副課長としてチームをまとめています。
As deputy section chief, I'm coordinating the team.
For positions like deputy general manager or deputy director, which may be translated as 'deputy manager' in some contexts.
Deputy director or deputy general manager. Often a rank above 課長 and below 部長. Can be translated as 'deputy manager' in some companies.
次長が会議を進行します。
The deputy manager will chair the meeting.
Also used for deputy department manager, which may be equivalent to deputy manager in some contexts.
When someone is temporarily filling the role of deputy manager.
Acting deputy department manager. Used when the regular deputy manager is absent.
今月は副部長代理を務めています。
I'm serving as acting deputy manager this month.
Do not translate 'deputy manager' literally as 代理支配人 or similar. Japanese corporate titles are fixed and using the wrong one can cause confusion or sound unnatural.
Some companies use unique titles like 副支配人 (deputy manager in hotels or certain industries) or マネージャー補佐. When in doubt, ask how the role is referred to internally.
副部長としてプロジェクトを監督しています。
As deputy manager, I'm overseeing the project.