Meaning

Primary

Prime Minister

Word Type

noun

Explanation

The person everyone comes to a mutual agreement about to be the manager of the country is the Prime Minister.

Compared to 首相 or 総理大臣 that you've learned as "prime minister" previously, 宰相 were prime ministers appointed by monarchs. So this is a bit of a dated term used for the prime ministers of an imperial or royal court.

Reading

さいしょう
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word that uses the on'yomi readings of the kanji. You already know both readings, but make sure to read as しょう. This should be easy to remember since Shoguns (しょう) were like prime ministers back in the day!

Context

Context Sentences

英国宰相から直々に手紙を頂きました。

I received a letter from the prime minister of the UK personally.

Kanji Composition