署長

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 署長 is read as しょちょう and is a title for the head of an office or station designated by 署.
• Basic usage: Use 署長が挨拶する when the chief is the actor and 署長を訪ねる when the chief is the person visited.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Institution determined by context
  • The word alone does not specify whether this is a police, fire, tax, or other station chief; surrounding context does.
• Not a generic manager title
  • 署長 is not used for every company or department head; the title must match the institution.