Translation guide
Describes an important, influential, or high-ranking person, often in business, politics, or a specific field. Japanese equivalents range from formal titles to casual slang.
To refer to someone who is powerful, successful, or high-ranking in a general sense.
Literally 'big thing/person'. A common, neutral term for a person of great importance, influence, or stature in any field.
彼は政界の大物だ。
He's a big shot in the political world.
あの会社には大物がたくさんいる。
That company has a lot of big shots.
An influential person, often used in political or business contexts. Slightly more formal than 大物.
地元の有力者が集まった。
Local big shots gathered.
Loanword from English, used in similar contexts to refer to very important persons, often at events or in hospitality.
彼はVIP扱いされた。
He was treated like a big shot.
To refer to the head, leader, or most powerful person in a company, group, or field.
Literally 'parent role'. Refers to a boss or leader, often with a paternalistic or gang-like nuance. Can be used jokingly.
彼がこの業界の親分だ。
He's the big shot in this industry.
Loanword from English 'boss'. Commonly used in casual contexts, including for gang leaders or company heads.
彼は組織のボスだ。
He's the big shot of the organization.
A formal or literary term for a leader or chief, often of a group or gang. Not commonly used in everyday speech.
To describe someone who acts like a big shot, often with a negative connotation of being pompous or overbearing.
A phrase meaning 'a person who acts important/self-important'. Describes behavior rather than actual status.
彼はいつも偉そうにしている。
He always acts like a big shot.
A verb meaning 'to act like a big shot'. Implies putting on airs.
彼は大物ぶっているけど、ただの新人だ。
He acts like a big shot, but he's just a newbie.
The English phrase 'big shot' is often used sarcastically or informally. Direct translations like 大きい銃 (big gun) do not convey the meaning and will cause confusion. Use the terms above based on context.
In Japanese, the appropriate term depends heavily on the relationship and setting. 大物 is safe for general use, while 親分 or ボス can sound too casual or gang-related in formal situations.
He's the big shot of the gang.