Translation guide
A senior non-commissioned officer rank in military contexts. In Japanese, this is typically expressed using the term 曹長 (sōchō) for the Japan Self-Defense Forces, or by adapting the English term for foreign militaries.
The rank of master sergeant in the Japan Ground, Maritime, or Air Self-Defense Force.
The standard term for master sergeant in the Japan Self-Defense Forces. It is used across all branches.
Referring to a master sergeant in a foreign military, such as the U.S. Army or Marine Corps.
A direct loanword from English, commonly used in Japanese media and discussions about foreign militaries.
彼は曹長に昇進した。
He was promoted to master sergeant.
He is a master sergeant in the U.S. Army.
Sometimes used as a translation equivalent for foreign ranks, but may cause confusion with the JSDF rank. Context usually clarifies.
A master sergeant in the U.S. military is an experienced non-commissioned officer.