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.
彼は人気のお笑い芸人です。
He is a popular comedian.
お笑い芸人になるのが夢です。
My dream is to become a comedian.
Short for お笑い芸人. Very common in casual conversation and media.
あの芸人は面白いね。
That comedian is funny, isn't he?
Loanword from English. Often implies a Western-style stand-up comedian or a more international flavor. Less common than お笑い芸人.
彼はアメリカで有名なコメディアンです。
He is a famous comedian in the US.
A comedian who is part of a two-person comedy act, typical of Japanese manzai.
Specifically a performer of manzai, a traditional Japanese stand-up comedy style usually done by a duo. Often used for established, skilled duos.
彼らは有名な漫才師です。
They are famous manzai comedians.
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.
落語家になるには修行が必要です。
To become a rakugo storyteller, you need to undergo training.
A comedian who has become a TV host or regular panelist, often not performing traditional comedy anymore.
A comedian who is also a TV personality (tarento). Many comedians in Japan transition into general TV work.
彼はお笑いタレントとしても活躍している。
He is also active as a TV personality/comedian.
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.
Refers to a comedy duo. While not a single word for 'comedian', it is the common way to refer to a pair of comedians.
あのお笑いコンビは息がぴったりだ。
That comedy duo has great chemistry.