1.
the second-in-command of an organized group called a {団|だん}, such as a fan club, cheer squad, performing troupe, scout troop, or similar organization
Formed by attaching the prefix 副- (vice-, deputy-) to 団長 (leader of a 団). A 団 is a named, organized group — a troupe, troop, squad, regiment, fan club, cheering section, brass band, circus, martial arts group, or similar body. The 副団長 supports the 団長 in running the group and takes charge in the leader's absence. The word is not usually used for business or political bodies, which take other "deputy" titles instead.
The deputy leader of the cheering squad stood at the front and led the cheers.
Composed of the prefix 副- (vice-, deputy-) + 団長 (leader of a 団). Applies specifically to groups organized as a 団, which is a broader category than a club (部) or committee (委員会).
COMMON GROUPS WITH A 副団長:
- 消防団: volunteer fire brigade
- 応援団: school/sports cheering squad
- 吹奏楽団: brass band, wind ensemble
- 劇団: theatrical troupe
- 楽団: musical ensemble, band
- 騎士団: order of knights (fantasy/history)
- ボーイスカウト: boy scout troop
Common collocations
- 副団長を務める: to serve as deputy leader
- 副団長に就任する: to take up the post of deputy leader
- 副団長に任命する: to appoint as deputy leader
- 団長と副団長: the leader and the deputy leader
Related role terms
- 団長: leader of a 団 — the head of any group organized as a 団.
- 副部長: vice-club-president — used for groups organized as a 部 (club), not a 団.
- 副会長: vice-chairperson — used for groups organized around a 会 (association, society).
- 副キャプテン / 副主将: vice-captain — used for sports teams.
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Neutral and official-sounding. Appears on business cards, group rosters, and in news items about volunteer groups, fire brigades, student cheering squads, theater companies, and similar organizations.
Related Words
Related:
副部長 (vice-club-president)
Related:
副会長 (vice-chairperson)
Related:
副キャプテン (vice-captain)