Translation guide
The English word "president" can refer to the head of state of a country, the head of a company or organization, or a ceremonial leader. Japanese uses different words depending on the context, and the most common equivalent for a company president is 社長, while for a country's president it is 大統領.
The top executive of a business, corporation, or similar organization.
The standard term for the president of a company. It is used both as a title and when referring to the person.
He is the president of Toyota.
A more formal title often used in official documents, combining 'representative director' and 'president'. It specifies the legal role within the company.
Refers to the chairman or chairperson of a company, often a former president. In some contexts, it may be translated as 'president' if the person is the ceremonial head, but it is distinct from 社長.
The elected or appointed leader of a nation, typically in a republic.
The person who presides over a non-corporate organization, such as a student council, academic society, or club.
A figurehead leader with limited executive power, such as in some parliamentary systems or non-profits.
The loanword プレジデント is sometimes used in company names or as a title in foreign contexts, but it is not a natural way to refer to a president in Japanese. Stick to the native terms.
In a company, 社長 is the active top manager, while 会長 is often the chairman, a more senior but less hands-on role. A 会長 may have previously been 社長.
The president of the company will attend the meeting.
Mr./Ms. President, you have a phone call.
I was appointed president and representative director.
会長は社長の前任者です。
The chairman is the former president.
The standard term for the president of a country, such as the United States or France. It is used for both the office and the person.
The president of the United States lives in the White House.
The presidential election will be held next month.
Historically used for the president of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and some other contexts, but now rare and can carry negative connotations due to its use for dictators like Hitler (総統). Generally avoid unless referring to specific historical titles.
This term is strongly associated with authoritarian leaders and is not used for modern democratic presidents. Use 大統領 instead.
The president is known as a dictator.
Used for the president of an association, society, or club. It can also mean 'chairperson'.
He is the president of the student council.
I gave a speech as the president of the academic society.
Specifically refers to the presiding officer of a meeting or assembly, such as the president of a legislative body. It emphasizes the role of chairing discussions.
The president (chairperson) will moderate the meeting.
Used for the president of a political party (especially the Liberal Democratic Party in Japan) or certain organizations. It can also refer to the head of a bank or institution.
The president of the Liberal Democratic Party was elected prime minister.
Specifically the president of a bank. This is a traditional term used in the banking industry.
The bank president held a press conference.
She was elected president of the student council.
The President of France visited Japan.