チーフ
chīfu[t͡ɕiːɸɯ̟]
In Japanese, the English phrase "chief" is translated as チーフ (chīfu).
チーフ is used to denote a team leader or a section head, often in more casual or Western-style corporate environments.
Meaning: head of an organization (noun)
Which one should you use?
While チーフ is a loanword used for specific job titles, the traditional way to denote the head of a formal organization is to use the suffix -長 (chō), such as in 部長 (buchō, department head) or 校長 (kōchō, school principal).
How do you pronounce it?
chīfu
Did you know?
- While チーフ refers to a leader, the word チーフ is also used in Japanese fashion to refer to a pocket square.
- Certain 'chief' roles in Japanese companies are titled 主幹 (shukan), which translates more closely to 'main pillar' than to a head or leader.
- In many Japanese companies, you would address a 'chief' by their surname followed by their title, such as 'Tanaka-buchō', rather than just calling them 'Chief'.
Examples in context
- お待ちしておりました、長官。We have been waiting for you, chief.
- 主任、次のプロジェクトについての会議を予定しています。Chief, we have a meeting scheduled regarding the next project.
- 彼はプロジェクトのチーフです。Kare wa purojekuto no chīfu desu.He is the project chief.
- 新しいチーフは優しい人ですか。Atarashii chīfu wa yasashii hito desu ka.Is the new chief a kind person?
- 彼女は営業部のチーフを務めています。Kanojo wa eigyōbu no chīfu o tsutomete imasu.She serves as the chief of the sales department.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are talking about a meeting in the office.
- 蓮 Ren今日の会議はチーフが進行します。Kyō no kaigi wa chīfu ga shinkō shimasu.The chief will lead today's meeting.
- 結衣 Yui分かりました。準備しておきますね。Wakarimashita. Junbi shite okimasu ne.I understand. I'll get ready.
- 蓮 Ren蓮さん、資料はもう読みましたか？Ren-san, shiryō wa mō yomimashita ka?Ren, have you read the documents yet?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、さっき読み終えました。Hai, sakki yomioemashita.Yes, I finished reading them a while ago.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry チーフ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
