Translation guide
The English word 'commissioner' refers to a member of a commission, a government official in charge of a department, or a person granted a commission. In Japanese, the translation depends heavily on the specific role and context.
Refers to a person who is part of a formal group tasked with a specific duty, such as a planning commission or investigative committee.
General term for a committee member. Often used in compounds to specify the type of commission.
彼は教育委員会の委員です。
He is a member of the board of education.
Loanword from English, used in specific contexts like sports leagues (e.g., baseball commissioner) or international organizations.
野球のコミッショナーが会見を開いた。
The baseball commissioner held a press conference.
A high-ranking official in charge of a specific administrative body, such as a police commissioner or tax commissioner.
Used for the head of a government agency or bureau. Often combined with the agency name.
警察庁長官が記者会見を行った。
The Commissioner General of the National Police Agency held a press conference.
Specifically used for the head of a metropolitan police department, such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.
警視庁の本部長が交代した。
The commissioner of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department was replaced.
Director of a bureau or agency, sometimes translated as commissioner depending on the organization.
In sports, a commissioner is the head of a league. This is a specific role with executive authority.
Standard term for a sports league commissioner. Widely understood in Japanese sports contexts.
NPBのコミッショナーが新しいルールを発表した。
The NPB commissioner announced new rules.
In contexts like the UN or EU, a commissioner is a senior official with a specific portfolio.
Used for members of commissions in international bodies, often with a descriptive prefix.
国連人権委員会の委員が声明を出した。
The commissioner of the UN Human Rights Committee issued a statement.
委員 is a general committee member, not necessarily the head. 長官 is the head of a government agency. コミッショナー is used for sports league heads and some international roles. Choose based on the specific organization and rank.
彼は委員だが、長官ではない。
He is a committee member, but not the commissioner (head).
Directly translating 'commissioner' as コミッショナー may sound unnatural outside of sports or specific international contexts. Use the appropriate Japanese title based on the organization.
国税局長が税務調査について説明した。
The commissioner of the regional taxation bureau explained the tax audit.
Also used for EU commissioners and similar roles, though less common than 委員.
EUのコミッショナーが来日した。
The EU commissioner visited Japan.