Translation guide
The English word "skipper" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses: the captain of a ship or boat, the leader of a sports team, and a type of butterfly. It also notes the informal use for a person who skips something.
To refer to the person in command of a vessel, especially a small ship or fishing boat.
Standard term for a ship's captain. Used for both large and small vessels.
船長は乗組員に指示を出した。
The skipper gave orders to the crew.
Specifically for the captain of a small boat or craft, like a yacht or lifeboat.
ヨットの艇長としてレースに出場した。
He competed in the race as the skipper of the yacht.
Specifically the captain of a fishing vessel, often the person in charge of fishing operations.
漁労長は豊富な経験を持つベテランだ。
The skipper is a veteran with extensive experience.
To refer to the person who leads a sports team, often the captain.
Common loanword for the captain of a sports team. Widely understood.
彼はサッカーチームのキャプテンだ。
He is the skipper of the soccer team.
Formal term for the captain of a sports team, especially in school clubs or traditional contexts.
To refer to a skipper butterfly, a small, quick-flying butterfly.
General term for skipper butterflies. Often written in katakana.
庭にセセリチョウが飛んできた。
A skipper butterfly flew into the garden.
To refer to someone who habitually avoids or misses something, like school or work.
There is no direct noun equivalent. Describe the action: 'a person who skips (school/work/etc.)'.
Do not translate 'skipper' directly as a noun for this meaning. Use a descriptive phrase instead.
彼は学校をよくサボる。
He's a skipper when it comes to school.
彼女は会議をよく休む人だ。
She's a skipper of meetings.
There is no single Japanese noun that means 'a person who skips something' in the same casual way as English. Using a direct translation like スキッパー would not be understood. Instead, describe the behavior with verbs like サボる (to skip/play hooky) or 休む (to be absent).
As the skipper of the baseball team, he brought the team together.