総長
Meanings
university president; vice-chancellor; chancellor
The head of a university or similar institution. In Japanese contexts, often translated as 'president' or 'chancellor' depending on the institution's English title.
He is scheduled to take office as the university president next year.
Used as a suffix in titles such as 事務総長 (secretary-general) or 国連事務総長 (UN Secretary-General). Not a standalone noun in this sense.
See also: 事務総長
The UN Secretary-General is working hard for international peace.
gang leader; head of a biker gang
Especially used for the leader of a biker gang (暴走族). Colloquial and somewhat dated; the term carries a rough, subcultural connotation.
He made a name for himself as the leader of a biker gang.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉の総長the president/chancellor of (a university)
He was elected president of the University of Tokyo.
- 暴走族の総長the leader of a biker gang
He is known as the leader of this biker gang.
- 総長に就任するto take office as chancellor/president
He is scheduled to take office as the new university president next month.
- 総長を務めるto serve as chancellor/leader
She served as the university's president for ten years.