Translation guide
In Japanese, the term for "head nurse" depends on the context and formality. The most common and recommended term is 看護師長, used in hospitals and formal settings. In casual or internal communication, 師長 is often used as a shorter form. The older term 婦長 is now considered outdated and potentially sexist, so it should be avoided.
The senior nurse in charge of a ward or department in a hospital or clinic.
The standard, gender-neutral term for a head nurse in modern Japanese. Used in official contexts and on name tags.
看護師長に相談してください。
Please consult the head nurse.
The lead nurse in a nursing home or long-term care facility.
Often used in nursing homes or smaller facilities where the top nursing position is not as high as a hospital's 看護師長. It means 'chief nurse' or 'nursing supervisor'.
看護主任が入居者の健康管理を担当しています。
The head nurse is in charge of the residents' health management.
The term 婦長 (ふちょう) is outdated and gender-specific. It is being phased out in favor of the gender-neutral 看護師長. Using 婦長 may be considered inappropriate or offensive in modern contexts.
看護師長はとても厳しいです。
The head nurse is very strict.
いつか看護師長になりたいです。
I want to become a head nurse someday.
A common abbreviation of 看護師長, used in spoken language among hospital staff. It's less formal but widely understood.
師長、ちょっといいですか？
Head nurse, do you have a moment?
An older term for head nurse, literally meaning 'woman chief'. Now considered outdated and potentially discriminatory, as it implies the role is female. Avoid using this term.
This term is outdated and can be seen as sexist. Use 看護師長 instead.
彼女は長年婦長を務めていた。
She served as head nurse for many years. (historical context)
Also used in larger care facilities that follow a hospital-like hierarchy.
施設の看護師長に話を聞きました。
I spoke with the facility's head nurse.