Translation guide
The English word 'officer' refers to a person holding a position of authority, especially in military, police, or organizational contexts. In Japanese, the translation depends heavily on the specific type of officer. This guide covers the most common equivalents for learners.
A commissioned officer in the armed forces.
General term for a commissioned military officer. Used across branches.
彼は陸軍の将校です。
He is an army officer.
Often used interchangeably with 将校, but can specifically refer to officers in the navy or as a formal rank category.
海軍士官になるのが夢です。
My dream is to become a naval officer.
A member of the police force.
Standard term for a police officer. Neutral and widely used.
あの警察官はとても親切でした。
That police officer was very kind.
Abbreviation of 警察官. Common in news and casual speech.
An executive or official in a company or organization, such as a CEO, CFO, or board member.
General term for a corporate officer or executive. Includes directors and senior management.
彼は会社の役員に昇進した。
He was promoted to an officer of the company.
A person holding a public office or position in government.
Broad term for a public servant or government employee. Not limited to high-ranking officials.
公務員は法律に従わなければならない。
Government officers must obey the law.
Refers to a bureaucrat or high-ranking government official, often with a nuance of administrative power.
A licensed officer on a merchant or passenger vessel, such as a captain, mate, or engineer.
Specifically a navigating officer (mate) on a ship. For the captain, use 船長.
彼はタンカーの航海士として働いている。
He works as an officer on a tanker.
Captain of a ship. Use when 'officer' refers to the person in command.
The English word 'officer' is very broad. Always specify the context (military, police, corporate, etc.) before choosing a Japanese word. Using オフィサー (officer) as a loanword is not common and may cause confusion.
警官が交通整理をしている。
A police officer is directing traffic.
Colloquial, friendly term for a police officer, often used by children or in informal contexts. Literally 'Mr./Ms. Patrol'.
お巡りさん、道を教えてください。
Excuse me, officer, could you tell me the way?
Specifically refers to an executive officer, often with operational responsibilities.
執行役員会議は明日です。
The executive officer meeting is tomorrow.
その政策は官僚によって決められた。
The policy was decided by government officers.
船長は乗客の安全に責任がある。
The ship's officer is responsible for passenger safety.