长（秘书长）

• Pinyin: zhǎng
• Hanzi breakdown: 长 = simplified form of 長, depicting flowing hair representing age/seniority

Meaning

A suffix meaning 'chief' or 'head of'; used to form titles for leaders or directors of organizations.

When pronounced zhǎng, this suffix indicates the person in charge of a department, organization, or group. Common combinations include 秘书长 (secretary-general), 部长 (minister), 校长 (principal), 董事长 (chairman), etc.

Examples

1. 联合国秘书长将于下周访问北京，讨论气候变化议题。 The UN Secretary-General will visit Beijing next week to discuss climate change issues.
2. 新任市长上任后，推行了一系列改革措施。 After the new mayor took office, he implemented a series of reform measures.
3. 他在公司担任总经理，相当于企业的一把手。 He serves as the general manager of the company, equivalent to the top executive.

Usage Guide

Context: government, business, organizations

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 请问您是哪位部长？(Excuse me, which minister are you?)
• 校长今天会在典礼上讲话。(The principal will speak at the ceremony today.)

Don't Say

• 他是饭店长。(Incorrect formation — use 店长 for store manager)

Origin & History

The character 长 originally meant 'long' (cháng), but when used as a suffix for titles, it is pronounced zhǎng and means 'leader' or 'elder', derived from the concept of seniority.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal