Translation guide
A bigwig is an important or influential person, often in an organization. In Japanese, this is expressed through various terms that convey rank, status, or influence, with nuances of formality and context.
To refer to someone with high status or influence, typically in a company, government, or group.
Literally 'big thing/person', used for influential figures in any field. Neutral to slightly informal.
Specifically for top-level managers, executives, or bosses in a company.
大物 emphasizes influence and prominence, often with a sense of being a 'big shot'. 重鎮 emphasizes authority, seniority, and respect, like an 'elder statesman' in a field.
Do not translate 'bigwig' literally as 大きいかつら. It would be nonsensical. Use the terms above depending on context.
会議には大物たちが勢揃いした。
All the bigwigs attended the meeting.
彼はテック業界の重鎮だ。
He's a bigwig in the tech industry.
彼は政界の大物だ。
He's a bigwig in the political world.
Refers to a person of great importance and authority, often with a sense of seniority and respect. Common in business and politics.
彼は業界の重鎮として知られている。
He is known as a bigwig in the industry.
Borrowed from English, used in similar contexts. Often written in Latin alphabet or katakana.
VIPルームに案内された。
We were shown to the VIP room.
Formal term for an important person, often used in news or official contexts.
要人の警護が強化された。
Security for the bigwigs was tightened.
Literally 'big standing person', meaning a prominent figure. Somewhat old-fashioned or literary.
彼は村の大立者だ。
He is the bigwig of the village.
Polite but slightly ironic term for higher-ups. Often used by employees to refer to executives.
お偉方が視察に来るらしい。
I hear the bigwigs are coming for an inspection.
Directly means 'superior' or 'boss'. Neutral, used in workplace contexts.
上役の機嫌を損ねないように。
Try not to upset the bigwigs.
Refers to executives or management staff. Common in corporate and organizational settings.
会社の幹部が集まった。
The company bigwigs gathered.