副キャプテン
fuku kyaputen
The English phrase "vice captain" is translated into Japanese as 副キャプテン (fuku kyaputen).
This phrase refers to the person who is second in command to the captain of a sports team.
What does it mean word for word?
The prefix 副 (fuku) means "vice-", "deputy" or "assistant".
Which one should you use?
The more traditional Japanese term 副主将 (fuku shushō) is used instead of the katakana 副キャプテン, particularly in many school sports clubs. Additionally, you may encounter the colloquial shortening 副キャプ.
How do you pronounce it?
fuku kyaputen
Did you know?
- The prefix 副 (fuku) is also used in the word 副食 (fukushoku), meaning 'side dish', suggesting that the vice captain is linguistically viewed as a 'side' or complementary part of the leadership.
- The term 主将 (shushō) used in 副主将 combines the characters for 'main' and 'general', reflecting a historical influence of military terminology on Japanese school sports.
- In Japanese sports anime and manga, the 副キャプテン is often portrayed as the 'strict' one who enforces discipline, allowing the captain to remain the 'inspiring' figure.
Examples in context
- 私たちの副キャプテンはリーダーシップが優れています。Our vice captain has excellent leadership skills.
- 今日の試合、副キャプが凄かったね！The vice captain was amazing in today's game!
- 彼は副キャプテンです。He is the vice captain.
- お疲れ様、副キャプ！Good job, vice captain!
- 彼はサッカー部の副キャプテンです。Kare wa sakka-bu no fuku kyaputen desu.He is the vice captain of the soccer club.
- 新しい副キャプテンは誰ですか？Atarashii fuku kyaputen wa dare desu ka?Who is the new vice captain?
- 彼女はバスケットボールの副キャプテンを務めています。Kanojo wa basukettoboru no fuku kyaputen o tsutomete imasu.She serves as the vice captain of the basketball team.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing their school club roles.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太くんは、バスケ部の副キャプテンになったの？Youta-kun wa, basuke-bu no fuku kyaputen ni natta no?Youta, did you become the vice captain of the basketball club?
- 陽太 Yotaうん、今学期から副キャプテンをやることになったよ。Un, kon-gakki kara fuku kyaputen o yaru koto ni natta yo.Yeah, I've been appointed as the vice captain starting this term.
- 美咲 Misakiすごいね！応援しているよ。Sugoi ne! Oen shite iru yo.That's amazing! I'm rooting for you.
- 陽太 Yotaありがとう、美咲。Arigatou, Misaki.Thanks, Misaki.
