Translation guide
This guide covers how to express that someone or something is known, recognized, or famous in Japanese. It focuses on natural ways to convey the state of being known, from general recognition to specific fame.
Expressing that someone or something is known to people in general, without specifying by whom.
The most common and neutral way to say 'is known'. It uses the passive form of 知る (to know) and implies a general state of being known.
この事実は広く知られている。
This fact is widely known.
He is known as an honest person.
The plain passive form, often used in written or formal contexts. It can also mean 'become known' depending on context.
その事件は後に知られることになる。
The incident would later become known.
Means 'famous' or 'well-known'. It is an adjective (na-adjective) and is very common for people, places, or things that are widely recognized.
このレストランは有名だ。
This restaurant is famous.
Expressing that someone or something is known for a particular trait, skill, or feature.
Pattern: [characteristic] + で知られている. This is the standard way to say 'is known for ~'.
彼女は美しい声で知られている。
She is known for her beautiful voice.
この地域は温泉で知られている。
This region is known for its hot springs.
Pattern: [role/identity] + として知られている. Used when someone is known as a certain role or identity.
彼は偉大な科学者として知られている。
He is known as a great scientist.
A more literary or formal word meaning 'famous' or 'renowned'. Often used in written language.
Expressing that something is called or referred to by a specific name.
Pattern: [name] + という名で知られている. Literally 'known by the name of ~'. Used for things known under a certain name.
この花は「桜」という名で知られている。
This flower is known by the name 'sakura'.
Similar to the above but without explicitly saying 'name'. Often used for titles or aliases.
彼は「キング」として知られる。
He is known as 'the King'.
Expressing that something becomes known or is revealed over time.
Means 'come to be known' or 'become known'. Indicates a change in state.
彼の才能が徐々に知られるようになった。
His talent gradually became known.
Means 'become clear' or 'come to light'. Often used for facts or truths being revealed.
真実が明らかになった。
The truth became known.
English 'be known' is often expressed with the passive form of 知る (知られている) rather than a direct copula construction. Using 知る in active form (知っている) means 'know' (someone knows something), not 'is known'.
知られている is a verb phrase meaning 'is known' and can be used with modifiers (widely, well, etc.). 有名 is an adjective meaning 'famous' and is more absolute. Use 知られている when you want to specify the extent or source of knowledge.
この歌手は若者の間で知られている。
This singer is known among young people.
この歌手は有名だ。
This singer is famous.
彼は親切で知られている。
He is known for his kindness.
この場所は観光地として知られている。
This place is known as a tourist spot.
彼は名高い作家だ。
He is a renowned writer.