noun
general affairs; general administration
Refers to the department or function handling administrative, personnel, and clerical matters in an organization. Also used as a title for the person in charge.
彼は総務部に配属された。
He was assigned to the general affairs department.
総務の田中さんに聞いてください。
Please ask Mr. Tanaka from general affairs.
Compound of 総 (そう, 'overall, general') and 務 (む, 'duty, task'). The meaning 'general affairs' is a straightforward combination of these elements.