Meaning and Usage
"主任" (しゅにん) refers to a person who holds responsibility or leadership over a specific section, project, or task within an organization. It is often translated as "person in charge" or "responsible official." This term is commonly used in workplaces, schools, and other formal settings.
Common Contexts
You will frequently encounter "主任" in business environments where someone is assigned as the head or supervisor of a department or project. It implies a level of authority but usually below higher managerial titles like "部長" (department manager).
Collocations and Patterns
- 主任として (しゅにんとして): "as the person in charge" — used to describe someone's role or position.
- 主任会議 (しゅにんかいぎ): "meeting of persons in charge" — a meeting where supervisors or section heads gather.
- 主任者 (しゅにんしゃ): "the person in charge" — a more formal or explicit way to refer to the responsible person.
Register and Politeness
"主任" is a formal term appropriate in business and official contexts. It is not casual and is used respectfully to indicate responsibility.
Common Learner Notes
Learners sometimes confuse "主任" with "責任者" (せきにんしゃ), which also means "person responsible." However, "主任" often implies a formal position or title within an organization, while "責任者" can be more general. Use "主任" when referring to someone's official role or job title.