Translation guide
The English word 'principal' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses: the head of a school, a main participant in a transaction, money in finance, and the adjective meaning 'main' or 'most important'. Each meaning requires a different Japanese expression.
The person in charge of a school, especially in elementary, junior high, or high school.
The standard term for a school principal. Used for elementary, junior high, and high schools.
校長先生に会いたいのですが。
I'd like to see the principal.
新しい校長はとても厳しい。
The new principal is very strict.
Used for the president or principal of a university or college. Not for lower schools.
学長が入学式でスピーチをした。
The university president gave a speech at the entrance ceremony.
Specifically the head of a kindergarten or nursery school (幼稚園/保育園).
園長先生は子供たちに優しい。
The kindergarten principal is kind to the children.
A person who directly takes part in a business deal, legal matter, or contract, as opposed to an agent or representative.
Refers to the person themselves, the principal party. Commonly used in legal and business contexts.
契約は本人が署名する必要があります。
The contract must be signed by the principal.
代理人ではなく本人と話したい。
I want to speak with the principal, not the agent.
A party concerned, a person directly involved. Often used in legal or dispute contexts.
Literally 'leading role'. Can be used metaphorically for the main person in a deal or event, but is more common in entertainment.
The original sum of money invested or lent, not including interest or profits.
The principal amount of a loan or investment. Common in banking and finance.
元金と利息を合わせて返済する。
Repay the principal and interest together.
元金が減らない。
The principal doesn't decrease.
Also means principal, often used in investment or trust contexts. Slightly more formal.
Describing something as primary, chief, or most significant.
A pre-noun adjectival meaning 'main' or 'principal'. Used in everyday language.
主な理由は何ですか？
What is the principal reason?
この町の主な産業は観光です。
The principal industry of this town is tourism.
Also means 'main' or 'major', slightly more formal. Often used in written contexts.
主要な問題点を指摘する。
Point out the principal issues.
Means 'chief' or 'head', used in titles like 'principal conductor' or 'principal dancer'. Not for general 'main'.
彼は首席指揮者だ。
He is the principal conductor.
校長 (こうちょう) is for elementary through high school. 学長 (がくちょう) is for universities. Using the wrong one can cause confusion.
彼は大学の学長です。
He is the president of the university.
本人 (ほんにん) emphasizes 'the person himself/herself', often contrasted with a representative. 当事者 (とうじしゃ) emphasizes being a party to a matter, often in legal contexts.
本人確認が必要です。
Identity verification (of the principal) is required.
当事者として責任がある。
As a principal party, you have responsibility.
The principals reached an agreement.
He is the principal in this project.
投資元本が保証されている。
The principal investment is guaranteed.