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親分 (おやぶん) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word Freq. Frequency Top 20,000 Meanings 1
noun
boss ; leader ; head
Refers to the head of a group, especially in traditional or hierarchical contexts such as a crime syndicate, a band of craftsmen, or a close-knit team. Carries a paternalistic or patron-like nuance, contrasting with a purely organizational 'boss'.
人にん
たち
は
親おや
分ぶん
の
指し
示じ
を
仰あお
い
だ
。
The craftsmen looked to their master for instructions.
Kanji 親 parent, intimacy, relative 分 part, minute of time, segment Similar words 子こ 分ぶん The follower or underling in a 親分–子分 relationship; contrasts with 親分 as the subordinate who receives protection and guidance.
ボス A more neutral, modern loanword for 'boss'; lacks the paternalistic, traditional hierarchy nuance of 親分.
Etymology Compound of 親 (oya, 'parent') and 分 (bun, 'part' or 'role'), literally 'parent role'. The term reflects a traditional Japanese hierarchical relationship where the leader acts as a protective, father-like figure to subordinates.
