Translation guide
The ordinary members of an organization, as opposed to its leaders or officers.
Referring to the general membership of a group, company, political party, or military unit, excluding leaders.
A neutral, widely used term for ordinary members of any organization.
組合の一般構成員は賃上げを求めている。
The rank and file of the union are demanding a pay raise.
Specifically for ordinary members of a political party.
一般党員の意見を聞くべきだ。
We should listen to the opinions of the rank and file party members.
Refers to rank-and-file employees in a company, without managerial titles.
Military term for rank-and-file soldiers, privates. Not used for civilian contexts.
Do not translate 'rank and file' literally as 階級とファイル. Use the terms above depending on context.
彼はまだ平社員だが、仕事ができる。
He's still a rank-and-file employee, but he's very capable.
将校と兵卒の間には大きな隔たりがあった。
There was a huge gap between officers and the rank and file.