大統領
daitōryō[da̠ito̞ːɾʲo̞ː]
The Japanese word for president is 大統領 (daitōryō). Wiktionary also lists 総統 (sōtō).
Meaning: the head of state of a republic (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 大統領 | daitōryō | [da̠ito̞ːɾʲo̞ː] (narrow) |
| 総統 | sōtō | [so̞ːto̞ː] (narrow) |
大統領 (daitōryō) is the standard term used to refer to the president of a country, such as the President of the United States.
Which one should you use?
大統領 (daitōryō) is the standard term for a president of a republic, whereas 総統 (sōtō) is a more specific term often used for certain authoritarian leaders or historical figures like the Führer.
How do you pronounce it?
daitōryō
Did you know?
- In a business context, the Japanese term for 'president' is usually 社長 (shachō), not 大統領 (daitōryō).
- In Japanese, the term 大統領 is never used for the leader of Japan, as the country is a monarchy with an Emperor and a Prime Minister.
- The word 大統領 first appeared in Japanese texts around 1869, coinciding with the Meiji era's effort to translate Western political concepts.
Examples in context
- 彼は大統領を辞任した。He resigned as president.This sentence is useful for describing a resignation from the position of 大統領.Tatoeba #102365 by bunbuku, translation #301329 by CK
- 彼は大統領に選ばれた。He was elected president.This sentence is useful for describing being elected to the position of 大統領.Tatoeba #102371 by bunbuku, translation #301323 by CK
- 米国大統領は今来日中です。The President of the United States is now in Japan.This sentence is useful for stating that the President of the United States is currently visiting Japan.Tatoeba #83488 by KK_kaku_, translation #320228 by CK
- ドナルド・トランプはアメリカの大統領です。Donald Trump is the President of the United States.
- フランスの大統領はエマニュエル・マクロンです。Emmanuel Macron is the President of France.
- 公社の会長は今井さんです。Mr. Imai is the president of the public corporation.
- 私たちのテニスクラブの会長は鈴木さんだよ。Suzuki is the president of our tennis club.
- 53 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a news report about a foreign election.
- 陽葵 Himari新しい大統領は誰に決まったの？Atarashii daitōryō wa dare ni kimatta no?Who was decided as the new president?
- 大翔 Hirotoまだ結果は出ていないみたいだよ。Mada kekka wa dete inai mitai da yo.It seems the results aren't out yet.
- 陽葵 Himari大統領の演説をテレビで見たよ。Daitōryō no enzetsu o terebi de mita yo.I saw the president's speech on TV.
- 大翔 Hirotoそれは興味深いね。Sore wa kyōmibukai ne.That's interesting.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “president” translations and entries 大統領, 総統, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 大統領, 総統, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
