Translation guide
The English word 'clown' can refer to a circus performer, a jester, or someone acting silly. In Japanese, the most common word is ピエロ, but other terms exist depending on context. This guide covers how to express these meanings naturally.
Referring to a clown as a professional entertainer in a circus or similar setting, typically wearing colorful clothes, makeup, and a red nose.
The most common and general word for a circus clown. Borrowed from French 'pierrot', but now used for any clown.
A clown was juggling at the circus.
The children were happy to get balloons from the clown.
A more literary or formal term for a clown or jester. Often used in historical or theatrical contexts.
Direct loanword from English, sometimes used in brand names or specific contexts, but less common than ピエロ.
Describing someone who is behaving in a silly, ridiculous, or foolish manner, often to make others laugh, but not necessarily a professional performer.
A person who jokes around or acts silly. Can be affectionate or mildly critical.
He's the class clown.
Refers to clowning or buffoonery, often used in set phrases like 道化を演じる (to play the fool).
Verb meaning 'to fool around' or 'to joke'. Often used to describe clowning behavior.
Referring to a historical court jester or fool employed to entertain a monarch or noble.
ピエロ is the everyday word for a circus clown, while 道化師 is more formal and often used for theatrical or historical jesters. In casual conversation, ピエロ is preferred.
Kids love clowns.
He was like a court jester.
Although クラウン is a direct loanword, it is not commonly used for circus clowns. Stick to ピエロ unless in a specific context like a brand name or horror theme.
He dressed up as a clown for Halloween.
Stop acting like a clown.
彼はシェイクスピア劇で道化師を演じた。
He played the clown in a Shakespeare play.
あのクラウンの人形は怖い。
That clown doll is scary.
彼は会議で道化を演じて場を和ませた。
He played the fool at the meeting to lighten the mood.
ふざけるのはやめなさい。
Stop clowning around.
The jester's role was to make the lord laugh.