Meaning and Usage
The word "長官" (ちょうかん) refers to a high-ranking official or chief, often in a government or organizational context. It is commonly used to denote heads of departments or agencies, such as police chiefs, defense chiefs, or other senior secretaries.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "長官" in news reports, official announcements, and formal discussions about government or administrative matters. It implies authority and responsibility over a specific area.
Collocations and Patterns
- 警察長官 (けいさつちょうかん): police chief
- 防衛長官 (ぼうえいちょうかん): defense chief
- 長官室 (ちょうかんしつ): chief's office
- 長官会見 (ちょうかんかいけん): press conference held by a chief
These collocations are useful to recognize the specific roles or settings where "長官" is used.
Register and Politeness
"長官" is a formal term used in official or serious contexts. It is not used in casual conversation unless referring to a specific official title.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "長官" with "長官"'s homophones or similar-sounding words. Remember that "長官" specifically refers to a chief or head of an official department, not just any leader or manager.