leader, commander, general, admiral, or, and again, soon, from now on, just about
将 centers on a person who leads or commands, such as a general or admiral. The other meanings—soon, from now on, just about—extend from the idea of taking the lead in time or action.
将 is the modern simplified form of 將. The older form combines 爿 (a bed or board) with a hand holding meat (寸 over 肉), suggesting an offering or leading. The modern form simplifies the right side to 寸.
The left side 丬 looks like a commanding figure standing tall, and the right side 寸 suggests a hand giving orders. Together, 将 is a leader directing others.
For ショウ, picture a general giving a show of force: show -> ショウ, and the general leads the troops.
future; (future) prospects
general
shogi; Japanese chess
commander; general; leader
general; admiral
military commander
commissioned officer; military officer
(senior player's) king
proprietress (of a traditional Japanese inn, restaurant, or shop); landlady; hostess; mistress; female innkeeper
commander-in-chief; supreme commander
great commander; famous commander
major general; rear admiral; air commodore
lieutenant general; vice-admiral
general; admiral
(constructed) shogi problem; shogi puzzle
commander-in-chief
family positioned to accede to the shogunate
officers and men
commander-in-chief of the expeditionary force against the barbarians (beginning in 794 CE)
General Winter; hard winter; Jack Frost