Translation guide
The most common Japanese equivalent is 常務 (じょうむ), but the exact translation depends on the company's specific title structure. Other terms like 専務 (せんむ) or 代表取締役 (だいひょうとりしまりやく) may be used depending on rank and responsibilities.
A senior executive below the president, often responsible for day-to-day operations.
He is scheduled to be promoted to managing director next month.
The full formal title. Use this in official documents or when clarity is needed.
Short for 専務取締役 (せんむとりしまりやく). In some companies, this is a higher rank than 常務, closer to senior managing director or executive director. Use only if the context matches a higher executive role.
The senior managing director is the position next to the president.
A director with legal authority to represent the company externally.
This is a legally defined role, often translated as 'representative director'. A managing director may also hold this title, but it is not a direct translation. Use only when referring to the legal representative function.
A high-ranking manager in a company, not necessarily with a specific Japanese title.
If the exact Japanese title is unknown or the company uses a non-standard structure, you can describe the role. For example, '経営陣の一員' (a member of the management team) or '上級管理職' (senior manager).
As a member of the management team, he is involved in important decisions.
Japanese corporate titles like 常務, 専務, and 代表取締役 do not map perfectly to English titles. The hierarchy can differ between companies. When in doubt, confirm the person's actual role and responsibilities rather than relying solely on the English translation.
When addressing someone directly, use their name with the appropriate honorific (e.g., 田中常務, 田中さん) rather than just the title. In very formal situations, you might use the full title + name, but this is less common in daily business interactions.
As managing director, I am in charge of the company's management strategy.
The representative director has the authority to conclude contracts on behalf of the company.