(はんちょう)

はんちょう
noun
group leader; squad leader; team leader
1. group leader; squad leader; team leader
The leader of a small group or squad, used in schools, workplaces, the military, and neighborhood associations. A position of responsibility within a larger organization.
班長(はんちょう)()める。
To choose a group leader.
今月(こんげつ)班長(はんちょう)田中(たなか)さんです。
This month's group leader is Tanaka-san.
班長(はんちょう)として班員(はんいん)出欠(しゅっけつ)確認(かくにん)する役割(やくわり)がある。
As group leader, I have the role of checking attendance of the group members.

Common in school settings where students are divided into (はん) (groups) for activities like lunch, cleaning, or class projects. The 班長(はんちょう) rotates among group members. Also used in 町内会(ちょうないかい) (neighborhood associations) where the 班長(はんちょう) handles communication and dues collection. In military contexts, refers to a squad leader. Compare with 組長(くみちょう) (class leader in schools; also gang boss) and 委員長(いいんちょう) (committee chairperson).