Translation guide
How to express that someone or something is famous, well-known, or has a big reputation in Japanese.
Referring to a person who is widely known, a star, or a celebrity.
Describing a company, brand, or product that is widely recognized.
The most straightforward way to say 'famous brand'. 有名 (yuumei) means 'famous'.
これは有名なブランドのバッグです。
This is a bag from a famous brand.
Expressing that someone has a great reputation or is highly esteemed in a field.
The English phrase 'big name' is idiomatic. Do not translate it literally as 大きい名前 (ookii namae). That would be nonsensical in Japanese. Use the appropriate terms above depending on context.
有名人 (yuumeijin) is a general term for any famous person. 大物 (oomono) implies not just fame but also influence and power, like a 'big shot' or 'heavyweight' in a particular field.
The standard word for a famous person or celebrity. Neutral and widely used.
彼は有名人だ。
He is a celebrity.
あの有名人に会った。
I met that famous person.
Literally 'big fish'. Refers to a big shot, an important or influential person in a field. Often used in business, politics, or entertainment.
彼は業界の大物だ。
He's a big name in the industry.
Loanword from English 'star'. Used for celebrities, especially in entertainment.
彼女は映画スターだ。
She is a movie star.
A more formal term for a well-known person, often used in news or official contexts.
多くの著名人が式に出席した。
Many notable figures attended the ceremony.
Refers to a major corporation or a leading company in an industry.
彼は大手企業に勤めている。
He works for a big-name company.
Means 'first-class' or 'top-notch'. Used for high-status brands or institutions.
彼は一流のレストランで食事をした。
He dined at a big-name restaurant.
An adjective meaning 'famous' or 'renowned'. Often used in literary or formal contexts.
彼は名高い作家だ。
He is a renowned author.
Means 'reputed' or 'well-known' (for something). Often used with a specific quality.
あの店は評判のラーメン屋だ。
That shop is a big-name ramen place.
A formal term for 'famous' or 'illustrious', often used for scholars or artists.
高名な学者が講演を行った。
A big-name scholar gave a lecture.