Translation guide
A historical military ruler of Japan, often translated as 'general' or 'commander-in-chief'. The term is deeply tied to Japanese history and culture, and is used as a loanword in English.
将軍
shogun (historical ruler)
Referring to the military dictator of Japan during the shogunate periods (1185–1868).
The standard Japanese term for shogun. Historically, it was the title of the military rulers of Japan. In modern contexts, it can also refer to a general in the military.
徳川家康は江戸幕府の初代将軍でした。
Tokugawa Ieyasu was the first shogun of the Edo shogunate.
将軍は武士の最高位でした。
The shogun was the highest rank of the samurai.
The full formal title meaning 'Commander-in-Chief of the Expeditionary Force Against the Barbarians'. This was the official title granted by the Emperor to the shogun.
源頼朝は1192年に征夷大将軍に任命されました。
Minamoto no Yoritomo was appointed Seii Taishogun in 1192.
Referring to a general or high-ranking officer in modern armed forces.
In modern contexts, 将軍 can mean 'general' as a military rank. However, it is often used in historical or fictional settings. For contemporary military ranks, more specific terms are used.
彼は自衛隊の将軍です。
He is a general in the Self-Defense Forces.
The specific rank of 'general' or 'admiral' in the modern Japanese Self-Defense Forces and in historical contexts. This is the highest rank.
Using 'shogun' to describe a powerful leader or dominant figure in a non-Japanese context.
In Japanese, 将軍 is strongly associated with history. Using it for a modern business leader or sports figure might be understood but can sound odd. Instead, consider words like リーダー (leader) or 支配者 (ruler).
Avoid direct translation unless the historical connotation is intended.
彼は業界の将軍と呼ばれている。
He is called the shogun of the industry.
While 将軍 can be translated as 'general', in modern Japanese military contexts, specific ranks like 大将 (たいしょう) are used. Using 将軍 for a contemporary general may sound archaic or fictional.
When discussing Japanese history, 将軍 specifically refers to the shogun. The full title 征夷大将軍 (せいいたいしょうぐん) emphasizes the imperial appointment.
彼は陸上自衛隊の大将です。
He is a general in the Ground Self-Defense Force.