1.
superior; boss; higher-up
A person who holds a higher position in an organization's hierarchy. Refers to someone above you in rank at work, in the military, or in other structured organizations.
上役に報告する。
To report to one's superiors.
上役の許可なしには進められない。
We cannot proceed without the approval of our superiors.
上役に気に入られることばかり考えている。
He only thinks about getting in his superiors' good graces.
新しい上役は部下の意見をよく聞いてくれる。
The new boss listens well to subordinates' opinions.
A slightly old-fashioned but still commonly understood word for workplace superiors. Compound of 上 (above) + 役 (role/position). Has a somewhat impersonal, institutional feel — it refers to the position rather than the personal relationship.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 上役に報告する: to report to one's superiors
- 上役の命令: orders from above
- 上役の顔色をうかがう: to read one's superiors' mood
- 上役に逆らう: to go against one's superiors
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 上司: boss, superior — the most common modern term in business
- 目上の人: one's senior/superior — broader; includes age-based hierarchy
- 先輩: senior — based on experience/tenure rather than formal rank