Translation guide
A junior commissioned officer rank in military forces, equivalent to the lowest officer grade. In Japanese, this is typically expressed with specific rank terms depending on the service branch.
Referring to the rank of second lieutenant in any military context.
The standard term for second lieutenant in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). It is also used historically for the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy.
He was commissioned as a second lieutenant.
The official rank designation in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, literally 'third-class land officer'. Used in formal contexts.
Third-class land officer is one of the ranks in the Self-Defense Forces.
The official rank designation in the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, literally 'third-class air officer'.
He was assigned to a flying squadron as a third-class air officer.
The official rank designation in the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, literally 'third-class sea officer'. Equivalent to a navy ensign or second lieutenant.
A third-class sea officer is a junior officer in the Maritime Self-Defense Force.
少尉 is the traditional and commonly understood term for second lieutenant, used in general contexts and historical references. The 三等～尉 forms are the official Self-Defense Force designations and are more precise for modern JSDF contexts. In everyday conversation, 少尉 is often sufficient unless specifying the branch is necessary.