Translation guide
Describes a person who is the most important or prominent in a group, event, or movement. Japanese uses various nouns and compounds depending on the context.
The most important or influential person within a team, company, or social circle.
A direct and common translation for 'central figure', meaning the person at the center of an activity or group.
He is the central figure of the project.
A loanword from English 'key person', often used in business or organizational contexts.
Who is the key person in this company?
Literally 'central pillar', metaphorically the mainstay or central figure of a family or organization. Conveys a sense of support and indispensability.
My father is the central figure of our family.
A person who plays a central role in a historical event, social movement, or public activity.
Also works for events and movements, emphasizing the person's central role.
She was a central figure in the citizens' movement.
Originally a leading actor in kabuki, now used for a person who plays a central role in any undertaking.
Literally 'leading role', can be used metaphorically for a central figure in an event, but often implies a more dramatic or starring role.
The main character or protagonist around whom a story revolves.
He is known as a central figure in the reform.
その会議では彼が主役だった。
He was the central figure at that meeting.
Can be used for a central figure in a narrative, though 主人公 is more common for fictional works.
The central figures of this movie are three brothers.