noun
second in command; deputy commander
Military or organizational role: the officer ranking just below the commander.
彼は部隊の副将に任命された。
He was appointed second in command of the unit.
noun
vice-captain; deputy captain
Sports context: the player who assists the captain and may take over leadership.
He supported the team as vice-captain of the soccer club.
noun
fourth competitor in a 5-person team match
Used in kendo, judo, and similar team competitions where five members compete in order; the 副将 is the fourth to compete, just before the captain (大将).
See also: 先鋒 (せんぽう)
剣道の団体戦で、副将として出場した。
I competed as the fourth member in the kendo team match.