The mayor is the elected official who leads the local government of a city.
Word in 30 Seconds
- The elected head of a city's government.
- Responsible for municipal administration and policy.
- Holds the highest executive power in a city.
概要
市長（しちょう）は、地方自治法に基づき、日本の市において首長（行政のトップ）を務める人物です。市民の代表として市の予算、条例の提案、公共サービスの管理など、市政全般を統括します。2) 使用パターン: 「市長が～する」「～市長（人名や市名＋市長）」という形で使われます。また、公的な場や報道では「〇〇市の〇〇市長」のように呼称されます。3) 一般的な文脈: ニュースや新聞、市の広報誌で頻繁に見かけます。「市長選（市長選挙）」「市長室」「市長公舎」といった関連語も一般的です。4) 類似語との比較: 「町長（ちょうちょう）」は「町」の長、「村長（そんちょう）」は「村」の長を指します。これらは地方自治体の規模によって呼び名が異なりますが、役割の重みや権限の大きさは市の規模によっても異なります。また、「知事（ちじ）」は県や都道府の長であり、市長よりも広い範囲を管轄します。
Examples
市長が市民と対話集会を開きました。
everydayThe mayor held a town hall meeting with citizens.
市長は市の将来について演説した。
formalThe mayor gave a speech about the future of the city.
昨日、駅前で市長を見かけた。
informalI saw the mayor in front of the station yesterday.
本研究は市長の政策決定過程を分析する。
academicThis research analyzes the decision-making process of the mayor.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
市長選に出馬する
To run for mayor
市長の任期
Term of the mayor
市長と面会する
To meet with the mayor
Often Confused With
A 'chiji' is the governor of a prefecture, covering a much larger area than a city.
A 'chocho' is the head of a town, which is generally smaller than a city ('shi').
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term 'shicho' is a formal title used in professional and news contexts. When addressing a mayor directly, it is polite to add '-sama' or use the title combined with their name. It is not used for heads of companies or schools.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 'shicho' with 'shicho' (written with different kanji like 支庁 for branch office). Ensure you use the correct kanji for the city mayor. Also, avoid using it for heads of countries or prefectures.
Tips
Use with city names correctly
Always place the city name before the word 'shicho'. For example, 'Tokyo-shicho' or 'Kyoto-shicho'.
Distinguish between city and prefecture
Do not confuse the mayor of a city with the governor of a prefecture. Use 'chiji' for governors.
The importance of local elections
Japanese citizens take mayoral elections very seriously as they directly affect local taxes and city services.
Word Origin
Derived from the kanji '市' (city) and '長' (head/chief). It follows the standard Japanese administrative naming convention for local government heads.
Cultural Context
In Japan, the mayor is a highly visible figure in local media. Mayoral elections are crucial for local policy changes, and the mayor is often seen participating in local festivals and community events to build rapport.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Shi' (City) + 'Cho' (Chief). The Chief of the City is the Shicho.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions市長は、その市に住む住民による直接選挙によって選ばれます。市民の投票によって選ばれるため、市民の代表としての責任があります。
市長は「市」の長であり、知事は「都道府県（東京都や大阪府など）」の長です。管轄する地域や行政の範囲が大きく異なります。
日本の法律では、市長の任期は4年と定められています。再選されることで連続して務めることも可能です。
はい、役職名ですので「〇〇市長」と呼ぶのが一般的です。さらに丁寧にする場合は「〇〇市長様」とすることもあります。
Test Yourself
新しい___が選挙で選ばれました。
文脈的に、選挙で選ばれ行政を担うのは市長です。
「市長」の役割はどれですか？
市長は地方自治体である「市」の長です。
（市長 / が / 今日 / 市役所 / に / 来ました）
時間、主語、場所、動詞の順が自然です。
Score: /3
Summary
The mayor is the elected official who leads the local government of a city.
- The elected head of a city's government.
- Responsible for municipal administration and policy.
- Holds the highest executive power in a city.
Use with city names correctly
Always place the city name before the word 'shicho'. For example, 'Tokyo-shicho' or 'Kyoto-shicho'.
Distinguish between city and prefecture
Do not confuse the mayor of a city with the governor of a prefecture. Use 'chiji' for governors.
The importance of local elections
Japanese citizens take mayoral elections very seriously as they directly affect local taxes and city services.
Examples
4 of 4市長が市民と対話集会を開きました。
The mayor held a town hall meeting with citizens.
市長は市の将来について演説した。
The mayor gave a speech about the future of the city.
昨日、駅前で市長を見かけた。
I saw the mayor in front of the station yesterday.
本研究は市長の政策決定過程を分析する。
This research analyzes the decision-making process of the mayor.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
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撤廃
B2The total abolition or removal of an established system, law, or restriction.
援助する
A2To assist; to help; to support.
訴える
A2To appeal; to sue; to complain.
容認
B2To approve, permit, or tolerate something, even if it is not ideal. It often implies a passive or reluctant acceptance of a situation.
逮捕する
A2To arrest. To seize someone by legal authority.
諮問
B2To refer a matter to an advisory body or an expert for their opinion or deliberation.
是正
B2To correct or rectify a wrong situation, inequality, or error. It is often used in official contexts like correcting social injustices or market imbalances.
腐敗
B2The decomposition of organic matter (biological) or the dishonest/fraudulent conduct by those in power (social). A common topic in IELTS essays about governance.
批判する
A2To criticize. To express disapproval of someone or something.
民主主義
A2Democracy. A system of government by the whole population.
