Translation and Meaning of: 首相 - shushou

The Japanese word 首相 (しゅしょう) is an essential term for anyone wanting to understand the politics and culture of Japan. If you've ever wondered what it means, how it is used in everyday life, or its origin, this article will clarify those doubts. We will explore everything from the basic meaning to interesting facts about its use in the media and Japanese society, all in a simple and direct manner.

Finding accurate information about political terms in Japanese can be a challenge, but here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide clear and reliable explanations. 首相 is not just a common word – it carries historical and cultural weight, frequently appearing in news, speeches, and even in animes. Let's uncover its details so you can use it with confidence.

Meaning and use of 首相

首相, read as "shushō", is the Japanese word for "prime minister". It refers to the leader of the government in Japan's political system, holding a position of great influence. Unlike other political terms, 首相 is used almost exclusively in this context, making it easier to remember.

In daily life, you will mainly find this word in newspapers, political debates, and official broadcasts. A classic example is the phrase "首相が演説した" (shushō ga enzetsu shita), which means "the prime minister gave a speech." Its use is formal, suitable for professional or academic situations, but it also appears in everyday discussions about politics.

Origin and composition of kanji

The etymology of 首相 is fascinating. The first kanji, 首 (しゅ), means "head" or "leader," while 相 (しょう) can be translated as "minister" or "assistant." Together, they form the concept of "prime minister," a perfect description for the position. This combination is not exclusive to Japanese – Chinese also uses the same characters with the same meaning.

It is worth noting that 相 alone also appears in other political titles, such as 外相 (がいしょう, Minister of Foreign Affairs). This pattern helps to understand how Japanese constructs governmental terms. Learning these radicals can be useful for deciphering other words in the political vocabulary without having to memorize each one separately.

Prime Minister in Japanese culture and media

In popular culture, 首相 often appears in political dramas, mangas like "Sanctuary," and even in animes that address governmental themes. Its presence reinforces the importance of the position in Japanese society. Interestingly, in works of fiction, the term is sometimes used to create fictional leaders, showing how it is rooted in the collective imagination.

Outside of fiction, the word stands out during national events, such as government changes or political crises. The frequency with which 首相 appears in the media reflects its relevance – a study by NHK showed that it is one of the most cited political terms in news reports, appearing an average of 15 times per broadcast during election periods.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 総理大臣 (sōri daijin) - Prime Minister
• 内閣総理大臣 (naikaku sōri daijin) - Prime Minister of the Cabinet
• 首席大臣 (shuseki daijin) - Chief Minister
• 首席 (shuseki) - Boss
• 首座 (shuzai) - Main Seat
• 首脳 (shunō) - Leader or Head of State
• 首領 (shuryō) - Leader or Boss
• 首班 (shuhan) - Chief of Staff
• 首席官 (shuseki kan) - Chief Officer
• 首席役員 (shuseki yakuin) - Chief Executive
• 首席執行官 (shuseki shikkōkan) - Chief Executive Officer

首相

Romaji: shushou
Kana: しゅしょう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: Prime Minister

Meaning in English: Prime Minister

Definition: Just like the prime minister, he represents the top of the government and is the highest position in Japan's parliamentary system.

Example Sentences - (首相) shushou

See below some example sentences:

日本の首相は安倍晋三です。

O primeiro

Minister of Japan is Shinzo Abe

The Japanese Prime Minister is Shinzo Abe.

• 日本 - Japan
• の - Possession particle
• 首相 - Prime Minister
• は - Topic particle
• 安倍晋三 - Shinzo Abe (name of the current Japanese Prime Minister)
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense