提督
teitoku[te̞ːto̞kɯ̟]
The English word "admiral" can be translated into Japanese as 提督 (teitoku) or 海軍大将.
Meaning: appointed commander of a navy (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 提督 | teitoku | [te̞ːto̞kɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 海軍大将 | kaigun taishō |
提督 is a common term for "admiral" and is frequently used in fiction, such as anime or video games, to refer to a naval commander or even to address a player or user in a naval combat game. 海軍大将 is used when one wishes to specifically denote a high-ranking admiral within a navy.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 提督 is composed of characters meaning "to lead" and "command/govern".
Which one should you use?
提督 serves as a general term for an admiral, whereas 海軍大将 is more specific, denoting a high-ranking admiral within a navy.
How do you pronounce it?
teitoku
Did you know?
- In historical Japanese documents, the term 提督 was sometimes used for commanders of pirate fleets, not just official government navies.
- The term 提督 sounds much more 'cinematic' to Japanese ears than the more modern, bureaucratic terms used in the current Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
- The word 海軍大将 literally translates to 'Navy Great General', reflecting a linguistic pattern where the highest naval ranks are mirrors of army ranks using the character 将.
Examples in context
- 提督になるためには厳しい訓練を受ける必要があります。To become an admiral, you need to undergo rigorous training.
- 彼は海軍の提督だ。Kare wa kaigun no teitoku da.He is an admiral of the navy.
- 新しい提督が到着した。Atarashii teitoku ga touchaku shita.A new admiral has arrived.
- その提督はとても勇敢だ。Sono teitoku wa totemo yuukan da.That admiral is very brave.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a history book.
- 大翔 Hirotoこの本の提督はすごいね。Kono hon no teitoku wa sugoi ne.The admiral in this book is amazing, isn't he?
- 陽葵 Himari本当に、戦略が天才的だよ。Hontō ni, senryaku ga tensaiteki da yo.Really, his strategy is genius.
- 大翔 Hiroto大翔、君も提督になれるかな？Hiroto, kimi mo teitoku ni nareru kana?Hiroto, do you think you could become an admiral too?
- 陽葵 Himari無理だと思うけど、憧れるよ。Muri da to omou kedo, akogareru yo.I think it's impossible, but I admire them.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “admiral” translations and entries 提督, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
