Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'comedian' depends on the context and style of comedy. The most common general term is お笑い芸人, but there are also specific words for traditional storytellers, comedy duos, and TV personalities.
A person who performs comedy on stage, TV, or online, often as part of a duo or group.
The standard term for a professional comedian in modern Japan, especially those appearing on TV variety shows. Often shortened to 芸人.
He is a popular comedian.
Short for お笑い芸人. Very common in casual conversation and media.
Loanword from English. Often implies a Western-style stand-up comedian or a more international flavor. Less common than お笑い芸人.
A comedian who is part of a two-person comedy act, typical of Japanese manzai.
A performer of rakugo, a traditional Japanese art of comic storytelling.
A professional rakugo storyteller. Rakugo is a 400-year-old tradition of comedic monologues performed kneeling on a cushion.
A comedian who has become a TV host or regular panelist, often not performing traditional comedy anymore.
芸人 (or お笑い芸人) is the default term for Japanese comedians, especially those in the traditional entertainment industry. コメディアン often implies a Western-style stand-up comedian or someone influenced by Western comedy. Using コメディアン for a typical Japanese manzai duo might sound slightly off.
Many Japanese comedians (芸人) appear regularly on TV as hosts or panelists, not just performing comedy. In such contexts, they may be referred to as タレント (talent) or お笑いタレント.
My dream is to become a comedian.
あの芸人は面白いね。
That comedian is funny, isn't he?
He is a famous comedian in the US.
Specifically a performer of manzai, a traditional Japanese stand-up comedy style usually done by a duo. Often used for established, skilled duos.
They are famous manzai comedians.
Refers to a comedy duo. While not a single word for 'comedian', it is the common way to refer to a pair of comedians.
That comedy duo has great chemistry.
To become a rakugo storyteller, you need to undergo training.
A comedian who is also a TV personality (tarento). Many comedians in Japan transition into general TV work.
He is also active as a TV personality/comedian.