将軍
shōgun[ɕo̞ːɡɯ̟̃ɴ]
The English phrase "shogun" is translated into Japanese as 将軍 (shōgun).
The term refers to the supreme generalissimo of feudal Japan.
Meaning: supreme generalissimo of feudal Japan (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of two parts: the character 将 (shō), which means commander or general and the character 軍 (gun), which means army or military.
Which one should you use?
While 将軍 is the standard term, the formal title is seii taishogun, which literally means "great general who subdues the barbarians".
How do you pronounce it?
shōgun
Did you know?
- The word 将軍 is not originally Japanese in its roots, but is a loanword from Middle Chinese.
- Although the 将軍 held the actual power, they technically ruled in the name of the Emperor, creating a unique dual-government system where the figurehead and the actual ruler were different people.
- The character 将 can be read as shō in 将軍 but is read as masaru in some Japanese names, meaning 'to excel'.
Examples in context
- 将軍はとても強力でした。Shōgun wa totemo kyōryoku deshita.The shogun was very powerful.
- 歴史の授業で将軍について学びました。Rekishi no jugyō de shōgun ni tsuite manabimashita.I learned about the shogun in history class.
- 江戸幕府の将軍は誰ですか？Edo Bakufu no shōgun wa dare desu ka?Who was the shogun of the Edo Bakufu?
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are discussing a history book.
- 健太 Kenta将軍について勉強していますか？Shōgun ni tsuite benkyō shite imasu ka?Are you studying about the shogun?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、とても興味深いです。Hai, totemo kyōmibukai desu.Yes, it is very interesting.
- 健太 Kentaどの将軍が一番好きですか？Dono shōgun ga ichiban suki desu ka?Which shogun do you like the most?
- 陽葵 Himariまだ決められません。Mada kimeraremasen.I can't decide yet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shogun” translations and entries 将軍, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 将軍, CC BY-SA 4.0.
