Translation guide
The English word "artist" can refer to a creator of visual art, a performer, or a skilled practitioner. In Japanese, different words are used depending on the context. This guide helps you choose the right term.
Referring to someone who creates visual art, such as painting, drawing, or sculpture.
General term for an artist in the fine arts. Can sound somewhat formal or high-brow.
He is a famous artist.
Specifically a painter. Use this when the medium is painting.
She is known as a landscape artist.
Loanword from English, often used for contemporary or commercial artists, including musicians and performers. In visual arts, it can imply a modern or pop-culture context.
This artist's work is very original.
A more formal term for a visual artist, often used in institutional contexts.
He is internationally recognized as an artist.
Referring to someone who performs in music, theater, dance, or other entertainment.
Referring to someone highly skilled in a particular craft or discipline, often with an artistic element.
A craftsman or artisan. Emphasizes skill and dedication to a traditional craft.
He trained for many years as a sushi artist.
A master or expert in a field, often used for traditional arts or games.
Can be used for someone with artistic skill in non-traditional fields, like a makeup artist or tattoo artist.
Referring to someone with a creative or artistic temperament, not necessarily a professional.
芸術家 (geijutsuka) is the traditional term for a fine artist, often associated with high culture. アーティスト (ātisuto) is a loanword that covers a broader range, including musicians, performers, and contemporary creators. In casual conversation, アーティスト is more common for pop culture figures.
He is a classical artist.
She is a pop artist.
English compound nouns like 'makeup artist' or 'tattoo artist' are often rendered as 〜アーティスト in Japanese, but not always. For example, 'con artist' is 詐欺師 (sagishi), not コンアーティスト. Always check the specific term.
He is a con artist.
She is a true artist.
He works as a freelance artist.
Refers to celebrities or entertainers in general, including TV personalities, actors, and musicians.
Many artists participated in the event.
彼は優れたピアノの演奏家だ。
He is an excellent piano artist.
彼は将棋の名人だ。
He is a master artist of shogi.
彼女はメイクアップアーティストです。
She is a makeup artist.