指揮官
shikikan
The English word "commander" can be translated into Japanese as 指揮官 (shikikan). Wiktionary also lists 司令 (shirei) and 司令官 (shireikan).
Meaning: one who exercises control and direction of a military or naval organization (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 指揮官 | shikikan | |
| 司令 | shirei | [ɕiɾe̞ː] (narrow) |
| 司令官 | shireikan | [ɕiɾe̞ːkã̠ɴ] (narrow) |
In modern Japanese, 指揮官 is the standard term used in military contexts to describe an officer in charge of a unit or operation. It refers to one who exercises control and direction of a military or naval organization.
Which one should you use?
While 指揮官 refers to a commander in a general tactical or field sense, 司令官 is typically used for a commander of a larger, fixed administrative unit like a base or a specific command (e.g., a Fleet Commander).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 司令 refers to the 'command' or 'orders' themselves (the act of commanding), whereas 司令官 refers to the person holding the position.
How do you pronounce it?
shikikan
Did you know?
- The word 指揮 (shiki), which forms the basis of 'commander' terms, is also the standard word used for conducting an orchestra or a musical ensemble.
- In historical contexts, a commander of a samurai troop would not have used 指揮官 but would instead be called a 将 (shō) or 大将 (taishō).
- In Japanese, the kanji for 'command' in 指揮官 (shikikan) contains the character 揮, which historically refers to the act of swinging or waving an object, such as a baton, to direct movements.
Examples in context
- 彼が我が軍の指揮官です。He is commander of our troops.The sentence is useful for identifying the commander of specific troops using 指揮官.Tatoeba #120551 by bunbuku, translation #283458 by CK
- 直接、指揮官に報告した。We reported the incident to the commander directly.The sentence shows how to report an incident to the commander using 指揮官.
- 彼は優れた能力を持つ一流の 司令官 です。He is a top-notch commander with exceptional abilities.
- 彼は私たちの 隊長 で、常に励ましの言葉をかけてくれます。He is our team captain and always provides words of encouragement.
- 新しい指揮官は非常に冷静だ。Atarashii shikikan wa hijō ni reisei da.The new commander is very calm.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a historical movie.
- 結衣 Yuiあの映画の指揮官はかっこいいね。Ano eiga no shikikan wa kakkoii ne.The commander in that movie is cool, isn't he?
- 健太 Kentaうん、彼は勇敢な指揮官だったよ。Un, kare wa yūkan na shikikan datta yo.Yeah, he was a brave commander.
- 結衣 Yui健太さんは、あんな指揮官になりたい？Kenta-san wa, anna shikikan ni naritai?Kenta, would you want to be a commander like that?
- 健太 Kentaいや、責任が重すぎて無理だよ。Iya, sekinin ga omosugite muri da yo.No, the responsibility is too heavy for me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “commander” translations and entries 指揮官, 司令, 司令官, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
