部下

• Reading: ぶか
• Romaji: buka
• Kanji breakdown: 部 (bu) — section, department; 下 (ka) — below, under
• Pronunciation: /bɯ.ka/

Meaning

Subordinate; one's junior staff member. A person under one's supervision at work.

A noun referring to employees who report to someone in the workplace hierarchy. Managing 部下 well is considered an important leadership skill. The term is neutral and professional, without the negative connotations that 'subordinate' can carry in English.

Examples

1. 部下の意見もしっかり聞きます。 I make sure to listen to my subordinates' opinions too.
2. 三人の部下を育てています。 I'm training three subordinates.
3. 部下にこの仕事を任せました。 I delegated this task to a subordinate.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, management, business discussions

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 部 (bu, section/department) and 下 (ka, below/under). Literally means those below in the department — i.e., the people under one's management.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional