Translation guide
In Japanese, the CEO of a company is most commonly referred to as 社長 (shachō), but the exact term depends on the corporate structure and context. English 'CEO' is also widely understood and used in business settings.
The top executive responsible for managing a company, equivalent to the English 'CEO' in most contexts.
The most common and general term for the head of a company. It is used for presidents, CEOs, and managing directors in many Japanese firms. Safe default for 'CEO' in conversation.
He became the new CEO.
The CEO is attending a meeting today.
The English abbreviation 'CEO' is commonly used in Japanese business contexts, especially in international or tech companies. It is understood by most businesspeople.
He is the CEO of Google.
The top executive of a major corporation, often with a board of directors, where the CEO may be distinct from the president.
Formal title for the president and representative director, often equivalent to CEO in large Japanese companies. Combines 'representative director' and 'president'.
The CEO held a press conference.
Chairman or chairperson. In some companies, the 会長 is the former CEO or a higher-ranking figure, but in others, it may be the top executive. Context-dependent.
Not always equivalent to CEO; in some firms, 会長 is a ceremonial role while 社長 is the actual CEO.
The founder or head of a startup, often with a more informal title.
Short for 代表取締役 (representative director). Common in startups and small businesses. It implies legal representation and is often used by founders.
I'm the CEO of this startup.
Also used in small companies, but may sound slightly more formal than 代表. Perfectly acceptable.
社長 is the traditional Japanese title for the head of a company, similar to 'president'. In many Japanese firms, the 社長 is the de facto CEO. However, in companies with a more global structure, the English title 'CEO' may be used alongside or instead of 社長. When in doubt, 社長 is safe.
In Japanese companies, the president often also serves as CEO.
When speaking to a CEO directly, use their last name + 社長 (e.g., 田中社長) or simply 社長. Avoid using あなた (you) as it can be rude. In very formal situations, use the full title 代表取締役社長.
CEO Tanaka, do you have a moment?
Formal Japanese translation of 'Chief Executive Officer'. Used in legal documents, official titles, or very formal contexts. Rare in everyday speech.
As the CEO, he decides the company's strategy.
The chairman (CEO) convened the board meeting.
He's the CEO of a small IT company.