首相

• Reading: しゅしょう
• Romaji: shushou
• Kanji breakdown: 首 (shu) — head, chief; 相 (shou) — minister, aspect
• Pronunciation: /ɕɯ.ɕoː/

Meaning

Prime minister; premier; chancellor. The head of government in a parliamentary system.

A noun referring to the leader of the government in parliamentary systems. In Japan, the 首相 is formally called 内閣総理大臣, but 首相 is the standard term in everyday news. Also used for prime ministers of other countries like the UK or Canada.

Examples

1. 首相が記者会見を開いた。 The prime minister held a press conference.
2. 新しい首相は若い世代に人気がある。 The new prime minister is popular with the younger generation.
3. 首相と外国の指導者が電話で話した。 The prime minister spoke with a foreign leader by phone.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, news, diplomacy

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 首 (head, chief) and 相 (minister, aspect). Together they mean the chief minister or head of government.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal