noun
Specifically the title for the leader of a communist party, most commonly associated with China or North Korea.
中国の総書記は国家の最高指導者と見なされている。
The General Secretary of China is regarded as the country's top leader.
北朝鮮の総書記は金正恩氏である。
The General Secretary of North Korea is Kim Jong-un.
Compound of 総 (general, overall) and 書記 (secretary, clerk), modeled after similar titles in communist parties.