What is the Kanji for 'Leader' and 'Commander'? | 将

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for 'Leader' and 'Commander', you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for 'Leader' and 'Commander' is 将.

kanji

将

Meaning

Leader, Commander

Reading

onyomiしょう

shou

Parts

丬寽

Example Word

大将: general or boss. The Japanese noun '大将 (たいしょう)' has two primary meanings. First, it refers to a 'general' in a military context, denoting a high-ranking officer. Second, it is used colloquially to mean 'boss' or 'leader' in a group or team, often in a friendly or informal way. For example: The general led the army「大将が軍隊を率いた」(たいしょうがぐんたいをひきいた). He's the boss of our team「彼は私たちのチームの大将だ」(かれはわたしたちのチームのたいしょうだ). The term can also carry a sense of respect or endearment when used informally.

Radical

寸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

486

Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji 将

If you visually break down this kanji, you can see it is made up of 2 parts:

component

丬

component

寽

将 As Part Of Other Kanji

This kanji appears as part of one other kanji:

kanji

奨

Meaning

Urge, Encourage

Words Using 将

This kanji is used in 5 words:

word

将来

Meaning

Future

word

将軍

Meaning

Shogun

word

大将

Meaning

General, Boss

word

女将

Meaning

Innkeeper

word

将校

Meaning

Officer

Kanji Related to 将 Through the Part 丬

These 3 kanji contain the part 丬 as well.

kanji

寝

Meaning

Lie down, Go to sleep

kanji

状

Meaning

Form, Condition

kanji

壮

Meaning

Grand, Robust

Learn the Kanji 将

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 将 mean?

将 means 'Leader' and 'Commander'.

Japanese school students learn this kanji in Sixth Grade, while non-native learners often study it for the JLPT N2 exam.

To help you master this kanji, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.