Translation guide
The English word "president" can refer to the head of state of a country, the head of a company or organization, or a ceremonial leader. Japanese uses different words depending on the context, and the most common equivalent for a company president is 社長, while for a country's president it is 大統領.
The top executive of a business, corporation, or similar organization.
The standard term for the president of a company. It is used both as a title and when referring to the person.
彼はトヨタの社長です。
He is the president of Toyota.
社長、お電話です。
Mr./Ms. President, you have a phone call.
A more formal title often used in official documents, combining 'representative director' and 'president'. It specifies the legal role within the company.
代表取締役社長に就任しました。
I was appointed president and representative director.
Refers to the chairman or chairperson of a company, often a former president. In some contexts, it may be translated as 'president' if the person is the ceremonial head, but it is distinct from 社長.
会長は社長の前任者です。
The chairman is the former president.
The elected or appointed leader of a nation, typically in a republic.
The standard term for the president of a country, such as the United States or France. It is used for both the office and the person.
アメリカの大統領はホワイトハウスに住んでいます。
The president of the United States lives in the White House.
大統領選挙が来月行われます。
The presidential election will be held next month.
Historically used for the president of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and some other contexts, but now rare and can carry negative connotations due to its use for dictators like Hitler (総統). Generally avoid unless referring to specific historical titles.
This term is strongly associated with authoritarian leaders and is not used for modern democratic presidents. Use 大統領 instead.
The person who presides over a non-corporate organization, such as a student council, academic society, or club.
Used for the president of an association, society, or club. It can also mean 'chairperson'.
彼は生徒会の会長です。
He is the president of the student council.
学会の会長として挨拶をしました。
I gave a speech as the president of the academic society.
Specifically refers to the presiding officer of a meeting or assembly, such as the president of a legislative body. It emphasizes the role of chairing discussions.
A figurehead leader with limited executive power, such as in some parliamentary systems or non-profits.
Used for the president of a political party (especially the Liberal Democratic Party in Japan) or certain organizations. It can also refer to the head of a bank or institution.
自民党の総裁が首相に選ばれました。
The president of the Liberal Democratic Party was elected prime minister.
Specifically the president of a bank. This is a traditional term used in the banking industry.
The loanword プレジデント is sometimes used in company names or as a title in foreign contexts, but it is not a natural way to refer to a president in Japanese. Stick to the native terms.
In a company, 社長 is the active top manager, while 会長 is often the chairman, a more senior but less hands-on role. A 会長 may have previously been 社長.
社長が会議に出席します。
The president of the company will attend the meeting.
彼女は生徒会長に選ばれました。
She was elected president of the student council.
フランスの大統領が日本を訪問しました。
The President of France visited Japan.
総統は独裁者として知られています。
The president is known as a dictator.
The president (chairperson) will moderate the meeting.
銀行の頭取が記者会見を開きました。
The bank president held a press conference.