Translation guide
The English word "secretary" covers several distinct roles. In Japanese, the word used depends heavily on the context: a personal assistant, a company department head, a government minister, or a club officer. This guide breaks down the main meanings and their natural Japanese equivalents.
A person employed to handle correspondence, keep records, make appointments, and carry out similar administrative tasks for an individual or office.
The standard term for a personal secretary or administrative assistant, especially to an executive or public figure.
She works as the president's secretary.
We plan to hire a new secretary.
Refers specifically to a secretary in a government or official capacity, such as a private secretary to a minister.
The minister's private secretary prepared for the press conference.
Understanding the distinction prevents over-formality in everyday business settings.
In business, use 'hisho'; for government positions, use 'hishokan'.
A senior executive in a company responsible for legal and regulatory compliance, board administration, and corporate governance.
The direct translation for 'corporate secretary' or 'company secretary', a legally defined role in some jurisdictions.
The corporate secretary is responsible for managing the board of directors.
In Japanese companies, the functions of a corporate secretary are often distributed among legal, finance, and administrative departments. Describing the duties may be clearer.
In the US and some other governments, a secretary is the head of a major executive department (e.g., Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense).
Used for the head of a government agency or department, equivalent to 'secretary' in the US cabinet context.
The US Secretary of State visited Japan.
Typically used for cabinet ministers in parliamentary systems (e.g., UK). For US secretaries, 長官 is more common, but 大臣 is sometimes used informally.
An officer of a club, society, or organization who handles records, correspondence, and administrative matters.
The standard term for a secretary in a club, student council, or similar organization. Focuses on record-keeping and administrative duties.
He was elected secretary of the student council.
As the club secretary, I take the minutes.
Often used for a secretary or organizer in a group, especially for events or reunions. Implies more of a coordinating role.
A type of writing desk, often with a hinged front that opens to form a writing surface.
A direct translation, but not commonly used. Most Japanese would describe the piece of furniture by its style.
I bought an antique secretary desk.
Since 'secretary desk' is a specific furniture style, it's often better to use a descriptive term or the English loanword.
I'm looking for a fold-down writing desk.
Do not use 秘書 (hisho) for a US cabinet secretary. 秘書 means a personal assistant, not a department head. Use 長官 (chōkan) instead.
秘書 (hisho) is a personal assistant to an executive. 書記 (shoki) is a record-keeper in an organization. 幹事 (kanji) is an organizer or coordinator, often for events.
Please ask my secretary to schedule a meeting.
Business context, personal assistant
He is the officer in charge of legal and compliance for the company.
The Secretary of Defense held a press conference.
外務大臣が国連で演説した。
The Foreign Secretary gave a speech at the UN.
I took on the role of secretary for the alumni reunion.