1.
chairman; president; head
The top leader or representative of an organization, association, club, or committee. Distinct from 社長, which refers specifically to the president of a company.
新しい会長が選ばれた。
A new chairman was elected.
会長が開会の挨拶をした。
The chairman gave the opening address.
彼女はPTAの会長を三年間務めた。
She served as PTA president for three years.
Used for the head of associations, clubs, committees, and similar organizations — not for commercial companies, where 社長 is used instead. In large corporate groups, 会長 may refer to the chairman of the board, a position above 社長.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 会長に就任する — to assume the chairmanship
- 会長を務める — to serve as chairman
- 副会長 — vice president
- 名誉会長 — honorary chairman