1.
general; admiral; commander
A high-ranking military officer. In the Japanese Self-Defense Forces, the highest general officer rank.
陸軍大将に昇進した。
He was promoted to army general.
戦国時代の大将は先頭に立って戦った。
Commanders in the Warring States period fought at the front line.
有名な海軍大将の伝記を読んでいる。
I'm reading a biography of a famous admiral.
2.
leader; boss; chief; head
The leader or head of a group. Used informally and affectionately for someone who is the leader or central figure, including the owner of a small restaurant or bar.
大将、ビールをもう一杯。
Boss, one more beer please.
ガキ大将がいつも遊びを決めていた。
The leader of the kids always decided what to play.
あの寿司屋の大将は腕がいい。
The chef at that sushi restaurant is skilled.
大将 has both a formal military sense and a casual everyday sense.
MILITARY (SENSE 1):
The highest general officer rank. Used for historical commanders as well as modern Self-Defense Forces officers.
- 陸軍大将: army general
- 海軍大将: admiral
INFORMAL (SENSE 2):
- Calling a sushi chef or small restaurant owner 大将 is common and shows friendly respect
- ガキ大将: the dominant kid in a neighborhood group (the ringleader)
HOMOPHONES:
Several words share the reading たいしょう:
- 対象: target, object
- 大賞: grand prize
- 対照: contrast, comparison