番頭|ばんとうbantou[0]heiban (flat)

1. noun(head) clerk

• SynonymマネージャーNeutralLoanword for a manager or agent, also a club's behind-the-scenes helper; the modern workplace term, while 「番頭」 is the head employee of an old-style merchant house.
• Synonym支配人しはいにんNeutralA manager who holds full authority to run the business in the owner's place; usage leans toward legal and hotel settings.
• Antonym主人しゅじんNeutralAntonym: the shop's owner or master, standing opposite 「番頭」, who heads the employees.
• Antonym主あるじWrittenAntonym: head of a household or owner of a shop, set against the head employee 「番頭」; it carries an archaic, elegant flavour.
• Antonym店主てんしゅNeutralThe proprietor of a shop; opposed to 「番頭」 as the boss to the chief employee.

「番頭」 is the head employee of an old-style merchant house, and by extension a trusted right hand (「大番頭」). In modern workplaces say 「マネージャー」 or 「支配人」; on the owner's side are 「主人」 and 「店主」, with literary 「主」.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. （ばんとう）商家しょうかにおいて使用人しようにんの筆頭ひっとう。