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.
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.
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.
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 ~'.
She is known for her beautiful voice.
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.
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.
This flower is known by the name 'sakura'.
Similar to the above but without explicitly saying 'name'. Often used for titles or aliases.
Expressing that something becomes known or is revealed over time.
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.
This singer is known among young people.
This singer is famous.
He is known for his kindness.
This place is known as a tourist spot.
He is known as a great scientist.
彼は名高い作家だ。
He is a renowned writer.
He is known as 'the King'.