幹部

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 幹部(かんぶ) is a noun for someone with an important role in running an organization.
• Basic usage: It applies to officers in organizations such as unions as well as company executives.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Age and rank
  • It describes an organizational role, not necessarily an older person or the single highest-ranking leader.
• Distinguishing a supervisor
  • 上司 refers to someone above you in the workplace hierarchy; 幹部 instead describes a leadership role in the organization.