Translation guide
This guide covers how to express that someone or something is well-known in Japanese, from common adjectives to nuanced phrases for fame, recognition, and notoriety.
To say that a person, place, or thing is widely known or famous.
The most common and versatile word for 'famous' or 'well-known'. Can be used for people, places, things, and events.
彼は有名な歌手です。
He is a well-known singer.
このレストランはとても有名です。
This restaurant is very well-known.
Literally 'is known'. Often used with an adverb like よく (well) or 広く (widely) to mean 'well-known'. More descriptive than 有名.
この作家は広く知られている。
This author is widely known.
彼の名前はよく知られている。
His name is well-known.
A more literary or formal term for 'famous' or 'renowned'. Often used in written language or formal speech.
名高い観光地
a renowned tourist spot
To indicate that someone or something is known for a particular quality, skill, or deed.
Use で after a noun to say 'famous for ~'. Very common and natural.
この町は温泉で有名です。
This town is famous for its hot springs.
彼女はその発明で有名になった。
She became well-known for that invention.
A more descriptive way to say 'known for ~'. Often used in writing or formal contexts.
彼は環境保護活動で知られている。
He is known for his environmental activism.
To express that someone or something is well-known in a negative way.
Means 'infamous' or 'notorious'. Used for people or things with a bad reputation.
彼は悪名高い犯罪者だ。
He is a notorious criminal.
Literally 'famous in a bad way'. A straightforward way to clarify negative fame.
その会社は悪い意味で有名だ。
That company is well-known for the wrong reasons.
To emphasize that someone or something is known by almost everyone.
Means 'everyone knows'. A natural way to say something is a household name.
そのキャラクターは誰でも知っている。
That character is known by everyone.
Literally 'there is no one who doesn't know'. Stronger emphasis on universal recognition.
この歌を知らない人はいないだろう。
There's probably no one who doesn't know this song.
有名 is an adjective meaning 'famous' and is the most common choice. 知られている is a verb phrase meaning 'is known' and often sounds more descriptive or formal. Use 有名 for general fame, and 知られている when you want to emphasize the fact of being known, especially with an adverb like よく or 広く.
この店は有名だ。
This shop is famous.
この店は地元でよく知られている。
This shop is well-known locally.
Direct translations like 良く知られている are grammatically possible but less natural than 有名 or よく知られている. Stick to the options provided for natural Japanese.