1.
deputy director; vice-chief; assistant manager
The second-in-command within an organization or department. Ranks directly below the head (長) and acts as a substitute or assistant. Common in government agencies, corporations, and other organizations.
田中さんが次長に昇進した。
Tanaka was promoted to deputy director.
部長が不在のときは次長が代行する。
When the department head is absent, the deputy director acts in their place.
次長として長年組織を支えてきた功績が認められた。
His long years of service supporting the organization as deputy director were recognized.
USAGE:
A compound of 次 (next, secondary) + 長 (chief, head). Refers to the person who is second in command to a 長 (director/chief). The exact English equivalent varies by context: deputy director, vice-chief, assistant manager, etc.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 事務次長 (deputy secretary-general)
- 課長・次長・部長 (section chief → deputy director → department head, typical hierarchy)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 副〜: vice-/deputy- — a prefix used with titles (副社長, 副部長), often interchangeable in meaning
- 部長: department head — the position directly above 次長