Translation guide
The person who leads a meeting, committee, or organization. Japanese uses different terms depending on the context: formal meetings, companies, clubs, or political bodies.
The person who presides over a meeting, discussion, or committee.
Standard term for the chairperson of a formal meeting, conference, or committee. Used in official settings.
The top leader of a company, board, or association.
The person in charge of a school club, circle, or hobby group.
Standard term for the head of a school club or department in a company. In a club context, it's the student leader.
議長 (gichō) presides over meetings; 会長 (kaichō) is the head of an organization; 委員長 (iin-chō) leads a specific committee. Choose based on the scope of authority.
議長は会議の進行役、会長は組織のトップです。
The 議長 runs the meeting, while the 会長 is the head of the organization.
Directly translating 'chairperson' as 椅子の人 (isu no hito) is nonsensical. Always use context-appropriate terms.
議長が会議を進行します。
The chairperson will run the meeting.
彼女は委員会の議長に選ばれた。
She was elected chairperson of the committee.
Refers to the person who facilitates a meeting or event, often more about managing the flow than holding authority. Common for MCs or moderators.
司会者が次の議題を発表した。
The chairperson announced the next agenda item.
Used for the chairperson of a symposium, panel discussion, or academic conference. Implies a leadership role in guiding discussion.
座長がパネルディスカッションをまとめた。
The chairperson summarized the panel discussion.
Typically the chairperson of a board of directors or the head of an association. Often translated as 'chairman' but gender-neutral in Japanese.
会長が取締役会を招集した。
The chairperson called a board meeting.
彼は商工会議所の会長です。
He is the chairperson of the chamber of commerce.
Head of a board of directors or trustees, often for non-profit organizations, foundations, or educational institutions.
理事長が財団の運営方針を説明した。
The chairperson explained the foundation's management policy.
Chairperson of a committee, often within an organization. More specific than 議長 and implies ongoing responsibility.
委員長が予算案を提出した。
The committee chairperson submitted the budget proposal.
彼はテニス部の部長です。
He is the chairperson of the tennis club.
Means 'representative' and can be used for the leader of a group, especially in less formal or student-organized circles.
サークルの代表として会議に出席した。
I attended the meeting as the chairperson of the club.