Translation and Meaning of: 大統領 - daitouryou

The Japanese word 大統領 (だいとうりょう, daitōryō) may seem complex at first glance, but its meaning is quite specific and relevant for those studying the language or interested in Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, how it is used in daily life, and some curiosities that help to understand its context. If you have ever wondered how the Japanese refer to political leaders or what the most accurate translation is, keep reading.

In addition to revealing the meaning of 大統領, we will discuss its writing in kanji, its pronunciation, and practical examples that aid in memorization. If you are learning Japanese, understanding words like this is essential for expanding your vocabulary and comprehending news or formal conversations. Let's start with the basics: what exactly does this word mean?

Meaning and use of 大統領

The word 大統領 is used to refer to a "president" or "supreme leader" in political contexts. While in Portuguese we use "presidente" for heads of state, companies, or organizations, in Japanese this word has a more restricted use, usually related to high-ranking positions in governments or international institutions. For example, the president of the United States is called アメリカ大統領 (amerika daitōryō).

It is important to highlight that in Japan, the prime minister is not referred to as 大統領, but rather as 首相 (しゅしょう, shushō). This distinction is significant because it shows how the term is associated with presidential systems, unlike the Japanese parliamentary system. If you have watched a news broadcast in Japanese, you have probably heard this word being used in international contexts.

Origin and writing in kanji

The composition of 大統領 in kanji helps to understand its meaning more deeply. The first character, 大 (だい, dai), means "large" or "important." The second, 統 (とう, tō), is related to "govern" or "unify." The third, 領 (りょう, ryō), can mean "territory" or "jurisdiction." Together, these kanjis form the idea of a leader who governs over a large territory or nation.

Interestingly, this word is not of ancient Japanese origin, but rather an adaptation of the Chinese term 大總統 (dà zǒngtǒng), which has the same meaning. Japan incorporated many political terms from China during its modernization in the 19th century, and 大統領 was one of them. This linguistic influence is common in words related to government and administration.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to memorize 大統領 is to associate it with known political figures. For example, when seeing news about the French president, try to think "フランスの大統領" (furansu no daitōryō). Repeating this association in real contexts helps to fix the term. Another tip is to practice writing the kanji, as their structure is visually striking.

Avoid confusing 大統領 with similar words, such as 社長 (しゃちょう, shachō), which means "company president." While 大統領 is used for political positions, 社長 is exclusive to the corporate world. This difference is crucial to avoid mistakes in conversations or formal texts. If you are in doubt, remember that 大統領 almost always refers to leaders of nations or international organizations.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 大統領 (Daitōryō) - President
• 大統領者 (Daitōryōsha) - Individual who holds the position of president
• 大統領官 (Daitōryōkan) - Official or employee who works under the authority of the president
• 大統領職 (Daitōryōshoku) - Position or role of president
• 大統領位 (Daitōryōi) - Position or status of president
• 大統領制度 (Daitōryōseido) - Presidency system
• 大統領選挙 (Daitōryōsenkyo) - Presidential election
• 大統領府 (Daitōryōfu) - Office or administrative structure of the president
• 大統領宮殿 (Daitōryōkyūden) - Presidential Palace
• 大統領公邸 (Daitōryōkōtei) - Official residence of the president

大統領

Romaji: daitouryou
Kana: だいとうりょう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: President; CEO

Meaning in English: president;chief executive

Definition: The highest leader of a country or organization.

Example Sentences - (大統領) daitouryou

See below some example sentences:

トランプはアメリカの大統領です。

Trump wa Amerika no daitōryō desu

Trump is an American president.

• トランプ - first name of the current president of the United States, Donald Trump
• は - topic particle, indicating that the subject of the sentence is President Trump
• アメリカ - country of the United States
• の - possession particle, indicating that President Trump is the leader of the country
• 大統領 - Japanese word for "president" or "head of state"
• です - verb "to be" in the present tense, indicating that President Trump is currently the leader of the United States

大統領は国のリーダーです。

Daitouryou wa kuni no riidaa desu

The president is the leader of the country.

• 大統領 - President
• は - Topic particle
• 国 - Country
• の - Possessive particle
• リーダー - Leader
• です - Verb to be