Translation guide
The main center of operations for a military, corporate, or organizational command structure. Japanese uses specific terms depending on context, with 総司令部 being the most direct equivalent for military supreme command.
The highest-level military command center, often for a theater or entire armed forces.
General headquarters for a military supreme command, such as GHQ after WWII.
The General Headquarters of the Allied Powers was established in Tokyo.
Used for the main headquarters of some military or paramilitary organizations, but less common than 総司令部.
The organization's general headquarters is in a secret location.
The primary administrative center of a company or large organization.
Head office of a company. The most common term for corporate headquarters.
The headquarters is in Tokyo.
Headquarters for an organization, association, or project. Broader than 本社.
Main store or head office, often used for banks or retail chains.
The concept of overall command or leadership, not a physical location.
本社 is specifically for companies. 本部 is for organizations, clubs, or temporary setups (e.g., campaign HQ). 本店 refers to the main store or branch of a business like a bank or restaurant chain.
Directly translating 'general headquarters' as 一般本部 or 全般本部 is unnatural. Use context-appropriate terms like 総司令部 (military) or 本社 (corporate).
The election campaign headquarters was set up.
銀行の本店は大阪にあります。
The bank's head office is in Osaka.
A general headquarters to oversee the entire group was newly established.