Meaning

Primary

Second Lieutenant

Alternative

Ensign

Word Type

noun

Explanation

Someone who's only been a military officer for a few years hasn't been able to get very far in the ranks. They're an ensign, or a second lieutenant. That's still not a bad position to be in!

Reading

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

Explanation

This is a jukugo word that uses the on'yomi readings of the kanji. You should be able to read this on your own.

Context

Context Sentences

私の曽祖父は、旧日本陸軍少尉でした。

My great-grandfather was a second lieutenant in the former Japanese army.

Kanji Composition