Translation guide
In Japanese, the translation of 'vice president' depends heavily on the type of organization. For companies, 副社長 (fuku-shachō) is standard, while for countries or large associations, 副大統領 (fuku-daitōryō) is used. In many contexts, especially when the role is clear, the title alone suffices without a possessive.
The second-highest executive in a business, often one of several vice presidents.
Standard term for a corporate vice president. Can be used for both a single VP or multiple VPs. Often preceded by the company name or division.
彼は副社長に昇進した。
He was promoted to vice president.
副社長の田中さんです。
This is Mr. Tanaka, the vice president.
Loanword from English, used in some international or foreign-affiliated companies. Less common than 副社長.
新しいバイスプレジデントが来週着任します。
The new vice president will assume the post next week.
The deputy to a president, such as the Vice President of a country or the vice president of a large institution.
Used for the vice president of a country (e.g., Vice President of the United States). Also used for some large international organizations.
副大統領が演説を行った。
The vice president gave a speech.
Used for the vice president of a university or similar academic institution. Less common than 副大統領 for national roles.
彼は大学の副総長に任命された。
He was appointed vice president of the university.
Used for the vice president of an association, society, or club. The head is 会長 (president/chairman).
How to refer to or address a vice president directly.
In Japanese business settings, you can address a vice president by their title + さん (e.g., 副社長さん) or simply by their title if you are in a lower position. Using the family name + title (e.g., 田中副社長) is also common and polite.
副社長、お電話です。
Vice President, you have a phone call.
田中副社長、少々お待ちください。
Vice President Tanaka, please wait a moment.
副大統領 is only for national or very large organizational leaders. Using it for a corporate VP would sound strange. Stick to 副社長 for business contexts.
In large companies, there may be several vice presidents with specific titles like 営業副社長 (vice president of sales). You can simply use 副社長 or specify the division.
彼女はその協会の副会長です。
She is the vice president of the association.