commander · future

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 将 relates to a commander or the future; its on-reading is しょう.
• Basic usage: 将来(しょうらい) means the future, while 大将(たいしょう) can refer to a leader or shop proprietor.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A future time and a term for a person
  • 将来 is used for what someone wants to do later or where present experience might become useful. It refers to a time yet to come.
  • 大将 can mean the leader in children's games, while 屋台の大将 means the food stall owner. In these uses, 大将 does not identify a military rank.