Usage patterns 〈 人ひと 〉 に 相そう 談だん する to consult one's boss about something
I consulted my boss about this matter.
〈 人ひと 〉 の 指し 示じ に 従したが う to follow one's boss's instructions
The new employee proceeded with the work following his boss's instructions.
〈 人ひと 〉 に 怒おこ られる to get scolded by one's boss
I was scolded by my boss for being late.
〈 人ひと 〉 から 評ひょう 価か される to be evaluated/praised by one's boss
He is highly evaluated by his boss.
Kanji 司 director, official, govt office Related words· 7 目上 is a broader term for anyone of higher social status, while 上司 specifically means one's boss at work.
上役 is a slightly old-fashioned or formal word for a workplace superior, close in meaning to 上司 but less common in modern casual speech.
上司 is the standard, formal Japanese word for a workplace superior, while ボス is a casual loanword with the same meaning.
上司 is the general word for a boss in any workplace, while 上官 is used specifically for a superior officer in the military or uniformed services.
Show 3 more Show fewer 上司 is the general word for one's boss or superior in a hierarchy, while スーパーバイザー specifically denotes someone whose job is oversight of workers.
主人 used for 'employer' has an old-fashioned, hierarchical feel, while 上司 is the common modern word for one's boss at work.
上司 simply means one's superior in a hierarchy, while 責任者 specifically denotes the person formally responsible for a task or project.
Etymology Composed of 上 (up, above) and 司 (direct, manage). The combination conveys the idea of a person who manages from above.
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