Translation guide
To be widely known or recognized. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with 有名 (ゆうめい) or 知られる (しられる). The choice depends on formality, nuance, and whether you are describing a person, place, or thing.
彼は有名です。
He is famous.
ここは食べ物で有名です。
This place is famous for its food.
To say that someone or something is widely known or popular.
The most common and neutral way to say 'is famous'. Used for people, places, things, etc.
彼は有名な歌手です。
He is a famous singer.
このレストランはとても有名だ。
This restaurant is very famous.
Literally 'is known'. Slightly more formal or objective than 有名. Often used in written or descriptive contexts.
彼は世界的に知られている。
He is known worldwide.
A more literary or formal term meaning 'renowned' or 'famous'. Often used in written language.
名高い芸術家
a renowned artist
To say that someone or something is famous for a particular quality, product, or achievement.
The standard pattern: [thing]で有名だ. Use で to mark what the subject is famous for.
この町は温泉で有名です。
This town is famous for its hot springs.
彼はその発明で有名になった。
He became famous for that invention.
Similar to 〜で有名, but slightly more formal. Often used in factual descriptions.
日本はアニメで知られている。
Japan is known for anime.
To express the process of becoming famous or gaining recognition.
The most common way to say 'become famous'. 有名 is a na-adjective, so use になる.
彼女は若くして有名になった。
She became famous at a young age.
Literally 'raise one's name'. Means to make a name for oneself or gain fame, often through effort.
彼はその作品で名を上げた。
He made a name for himself with that work.
To emphasize that someone or something is famous internationally.
The standard way to say 'world-famous'. 世界的に means 'globally' or 'worldwide'.
彼は世界的に有名な科学者です。
He is a world-famous scientist.
有名 is the most common and versatile word for 'famous'. 知られている is slightly more formal and emphasizes being known by people, often used in objective descriptions. In casual conversation, 有名 is preferred.
あの店は有名だよ。
That shop is famous, you know.
この事実は広く知られている。
This fact is widely known.
In English, 'famous' and 'popular' can overlap, but in Japanese 有名 (famous) and 人気がある (popular) are distinct. Use 人気がある for things that are currently liked or trendy, not necessarily widely known.
この歌手は有名だが、あまり人気がない。
This singer is famous, but not very popular.