noun
second in command; deputy commander
Refers to the person ranking directly below the top leader, often in military or organizational contexts.
彼は部隊の次将として、司令官を補佐した。
As the unit's second in command, he assisted the commanding officer.
Compound of 次 (next, second) and 将 (commander, general). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term follows a common pattern for designating ranks.