Translation guide
The English word "steward" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: a person who manages property or affairs, a ship or airplane attendant, a union representative, and an event organizer. It also notes the modern gender-neutral alternative "flight attendant."
A person employed to manage another's property, finances, or household affairs.
The closest equivalent for a steward in a large household or estate, similar to a butler who manages domestic staff and affairs.
He works as a steward at the mansion.
A more formal or historical term for a steward or majordomo, often used in legal or historical contexts.
The steward was entrusted with managing the estate.
A general term for a manager or caretaker of a property, not specifically a household steward but can be used in broader contexts.
The building steward is cleaning the common areas.
A person who attends to passengers on a ship, train, or aircraft.
The standard gender-neutral term for a flight attendant or cabin crew member. This is the most common and appropriate term in modern Japanese.
The flight attendants were serving drinks.
A direct loanword from English, used specifically for male flight attendants. Less common than the gender-neutral term, but still understood.
An older loanword for a female flight attendant. Now considered somewhat dated and replaced by the gender-neutral term.
A union member elected to represent colleagues in dealings with management.
A general term for a union official or officer. This is the most straightforward translation for a union steward.
The union steward negotiated for better working conditions.
Specifically a workplace committee member or shop steward, often used in the context of labor unions at a specific workplace.
A person responsible for organizing or supervising an event, such as a race or festival.
A committee member in charge of operations, suitable for a steward at a sporting event or festival.
The race stewards checked the safety of the course.
A person who takes care of arrangements for an event or group, similar to an organizer or steward in a community context.
In modern Japanese, gender-neutral terms like 客室乗務員 (flight attendant) are preferred over gendered loanwords like スチュワード or スチュワーデス. Using 客室乗務員 avoids assumptions about gender and is more natural in contemporary speech.
While スチュワード is understood, it is not the most common term. Using 客室乗務員 is safer and more natural. スチュワーデス is particularly outdated and may sound old-fashioned or even slightly sexist.
He is a steward on international flights.
She wanted to become a stewardess in the past.
The shop steward gathered the union members' opinions.
お祭りの世話人が屋台の配置を決めた。
The festival stewards decided the layout of the stalls.