Translation guide
The English word 'captain' can refer to a leader of a sports team, a military rank, the person in command of a ship or aircraft, or a police rank. Japanese uses different words depending on the context.
The leader of a sports team, often chosen for leadership and experience.
The most common and natural way to refer to a sports team captain in Japanese. It is a loanword from English and widely understood.
He is the captain of the soccer club.
A more formal term for the captain of a sports team, often used in official contexts or for school clubs.
As captain, he led the team to victory.
A military officer rank, typically above lieutenant and below major.
The standard translation for the rank of captain in the army, marines, or air force. Note that naval captain is different.
He was promoted to captain in the army.
Sometimes used in fictional or informal contexts, but 大尉 is the proper military term.
The person in command of a ship, especially a commercial or large vessel.
The standard term for the captain of a ship. Used for commercial vessels, cruise ships, etc.
The captain is responsible for the safety of the passengers.
Also commonly used, especially in casual speech or when addressing the captain directly.
The pilot in command of an aircraft, often referred to as the captain.
A senior naval officer rank, equivalent to a full colonel in other services.
A rank in some police forces, often a senior officer.
The closest equivalent to a police captain in the Japanese system. It is a rank above inspector.
The captain is in charge of the case.
A person who leads a group or team in a non-sports, non-military context, such as a project or organization.
A general term for a leader or captain of a group. Often used in business or informal settings.
He is the captain (leader) of the project.
Can be used figuratively for any team leader, but リーダー is more common in non-sports contexts.
Be careful with military ranks. An army captain is 大尉 (taii), while a naval captain is 大佐 (taisa), which is a much higher rank. Using the wrong term can cause confusion.
An army captain and a navy captain are completely different.
While キャプテン is versatile, it may sound out of place in formal military or police contexts. Use the specific rank terms instead.
映画の中で彼はキャプテンと呼ばれていた。
In the movie, he was called Captain.
キャプテン、出港の準備ができました。
Captain, we are ready to set sail.
キャプテン、乱気流に注意してください。
Captain, please be careful of turbulence.
彼はチームのキャプテン的存在だ。
He is like a captain for the team.