1.
chief editor; managing editor; editorial director
The person who oversees and directs the editorial work of a publication such as a newspaper, magazine, or journal.
雑誌の主幹を務める。
To serve as the chief editor of a magazine.
彼は創刊から長年主幹として紙面を支えてきた。
He has supported the publication as chief editor for many years since its founding.
論説主幹が社説の方向性を決めている。
The editorial director determines the direction of the editorials.
2.
manager; director; person in charge
A senior staff member or executive responsible for managing a project, department, or organization. Used as a job title in government and some companies.
プロジェクトの主幹に任命された。
I was appointed as the project manager.
主幹研究員が報告を行った。
The senior researcher gave the report.
県庁の主幹クラスの職員が会議に出席した。
Manager-level staff from the prefectural government office attended the meeting.
Compound of 主 ('main; chief') and 幹 ('trunk; core; key person'). Originally meaning the main trunk or pillar of something, the word extended to refer to the person who plays the central role in an organization or publication.
USAGE:
In journalism, 主幹 is a prestigious title, often higher than 編集長 ('editor-in-chief'). In government, it is a mid-to-senior rank between 課長補佐 and 課長. Usage varies by organization.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 論説主幹: editorial director
- 主幹を務める: to serve as chief editor / manager
- 主幹研究員: senior researcher
- 主幹教諭: senior teacher (government rank)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 編集長: editor-in-chief — the more common title for the head of a publication's editing team
- 主観: subjectivity — homophone with different kanji; completely different meaning
- 幹事: organizer; secretary — a person who arranges events or meetings, not an editorial role
- 責任者: person in charge — a general term for whoever is responsible