Translation guide
Describes someone or something widely known and praised for excellence. In Japanese, this is expressed through adjectives, verbs, and set phrases that convey fame, renown, and high acclaim.
To describe a person, artistic work, or event that is widely recognized and admired for its quality.
The most common and versatile word for 'famous' or 'well-known'. It can be used for people, places, things, and events. While it doesn't inherently imply praise, context often makes it clear that the fame is positive.
彼は有名な作家です。
He is a celebrated author.
This festival is celebrated worldwide.
A more formal and literary term meaning 'illustrious' or 'renowned'. It carries a stronger sense of high esteem and is often used for scholars, artists, or historical figures.
高名な学者が講演を行った。
A celebrated scholar gave a lecture.
Literally 'name-high', this adjective means 'renowned' or 'famous'. It is slightly more literary than 有名な and often implies a long-standing reputation.
名高い画家の展覧会に行った。
I went to an exhibition of a celebrated painter.
Means 'notable' or 'eminent'. It is often used in formal contexts to describe people who are well-known in their field, such as academics, critics, or public figures.
著名な評論家がその本を絶賛した。
A celebrated critic praised the book highly.
To describe an accomplishment or body of work that has received widespread acclaim and recognition.
Means 'highly praised' or 'acclaimed'. It is the past tense of 絶賛する (to praise highly) and is commonly used for works of art, performances, or products that have received rave reviews.
彼の最新作は絶賛された。
His latest work was celebrated.
絶賛された映画を観た。
I watched a celebrated movie.
Literally 'highly evaluated', this phrase means 'highly regarded' or 'well-received'. It is slightly more formal and can be used for both artistic and professional achievements.
彼女の研究は国際的に高く評価された。
Her research was celebrated internationally.
Means 'gained fame/renown'. It emphasizes the acquisition of a celebrated status, often through a specific achievement.
その小説で彼は名声を得た。
He became celebrated with that novel.
To describe a special day, event, or custom that is marked by ceremonies, festivities, or rituals.
The most common verb for 'celebrate' in the sense of observing a holiday or happy event. It can be used for birthdays, anniversaries, festivals, and achievements.
日本では正月を祝います。
In Japan, we celebrate the New Year.
彼の昇進を祝ってパーティーを開いた。
We held a party to celebrate his promotion.
Means 'to commemorate'. It is used for marking historical events, anniversaries, or the memory of someone or something. More formal than 祝う.
終戦記念日を記念する式典が行われた。
A ceremony was held to commemorate the celebrated end of the war.
A noun meaning 'national holiday' or 'public holiday'. It refers to a day that is officially celebrated, such as Culture Day or Constitution Day.
有名 (ゆうめい) is the general word for 'famous' and can be used in most situations. 高名 (こうめい) is more literary and implies high esteem, often used for respected figures. 著名 (ちょめい) is formal and emphasizes being well-known in a specific field or among the public. For 'celebrated' in the sense of highly praised, 有名 is often sufficient, but 高名 or 著名 add a nuance of distinction.
The verb 祝う (いわう) means 'to celebrate' an event or occasion, not to praise a person. If you want to say someone is celebrated (praised), use adjectives like 有名な or phrases like 絶賛された.
彼は有名な作家だ。
He is a celebrated author.
✕ 彼は祝われた作家だ。
(Incorrect: He is a celebrated author.)
今日は祝日です。
Today is a celebrated national holiday.