上司

• Reading: じょうし
• Romaji: joushi
• Kanji breakdown: 上 (jou) — above, upper; 司 (shi) — administer, manage
• Pronunciation: /dʑoː.ɕi/

Meaning

Superior; boss. A person of higher rank or position in the workplace.

A noun referring to anyone above you in the company hierarchy. The relationship with one's 上司 is very important in Japanese work culture, and proper keigo (honorific language) is expected when speaking to or about them. The opposite is 部下 (subordinate).

Examples

1. 上司に相談してから決めます。 I'll decide after consulting with my boss.
2. 上司が会議の時間を変えました。 My boss changed the meeting time.
3. いい上司に恵まれて幸せです。 I'm lucky to have a good boss.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, career advice, business relationships

Tone: respectful

Origin & History

Compound of 上 (jou, above/upper) and 司 (shi, administer/manage). Literally means the one who administers from above.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional