Translation guide
The head of a school, especially a private school or a British-style school. In Japanese, the term depends on the type of school and context.
The principal or director of a private educational institution, often with a connotation of authority and tradition.
General term for a school principal, used for both public and private schools. Safe default.
彼はこの学校の校長です。
He is the headmaster of this school.
Used for the head of a private academy or institute (学院). More specific to private institutions.
学院長が式辞を述べた。
The headmaster gave a speech at the ceremony.
Head of a private cram school or tutoring academy (塾). Not a regular school headmaster.
塾長は厳しいことで知られている。
The headmaster of the cram school is known for being strict.
The head of a traditional British boarding school, often with a specific title.
Still the standard translation, but may lack the British cultural nuance.
イートン校の校長は有名だ。
The headmaster of Eton is famous.
Loanword from English, used specifically for British-style schools or in translated works.
ハリーポッターのホグワーツのヘッドマスターはダンブルドアだ。
The headmaster of Hogwarts in Harry Potter is Dumbledore.
The administrative head of any school, equivalent to 'principal' in American English.
The standard term for a school principal in Japan, regardless of public/private.
校長先生に相談してください。
Please consult the headmaster.
校長 (こうちょう) is the principal/headmaster, while 教頭 (きょうとう) is the vice principal or deputy head. Do not confuse them.
校長は学校の最高責任者で、教頭はその補佐です。
The headmaster is the top administrator, and the vice principal assists them.
In Japanese, 'headmaster' is only used for schools. For heads of other organizations, use 所長 (しょちょう), 館長 (かんちょう), etc.