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.
サーカスでピエロがジャグリングをしていた。
A clown was juggling at the circus.
子供たちはピエロの風船をもらって喜んだ。
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.
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.
Direct loanword from English, sometimes used in brand names or specific contexts, but less common than ピエロ.
あのクラウンの人形は怖い。
That clown doll is scary.
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.
彼はクラスのおどけ者だ。
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.
The standard term for a court jester or fool in historical contexts.
中世の王は道化師をそばに置いていた。
The medieval king kept a jester by his side.
Historically, a high-ranking court jester or entertainer in Japan, but now archaic and rarely used.
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.
子供はピエロが大好きだ。
Kids love clowns.
彼は道化師のような存在だった。
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.
彼はハロウィンでピエロの仮装をした。
He dressed up as a clown for Halloween.
道化みたいな真似はやめて。
Stop acting like a clown.
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.