Translation guide
A person of high rank or importance, especially in government or formal settings. Japanese expressions vary by context, from formal titles to descriptive phrases.
Referring to a person holding a high position in government, diplomacy, or formal institutions.
Standard term for a high-ranking government official. Neutral and widely understood.
Government dignitaries attended the meeting.
Refers to an important person, often in political or security contexts. Commonly used in news.
Foreign dignitaries visited Japan.
A slightly colloquial, sometimes ironic term for bigwigs or higher-ups. Use with caution in formal settings.
The dignitaries were gathered in the conference room.
A literary or formal term for a high official. Rare in everyday speech.
He served as a dignitary of the imperial court.
Describing a person of honor invited to a ceremony, banquet, or formal gathering.
高官 specifically refers to high-ranking officials within an organization, while 要人 is broader and can include any important person, such as business leaders or celebrities, often in contexts requiring security.
Directly translating 'dignitary' as 威厳のある人 (person with dignity) sounds unnatural. Use the context-appropriate terms above.
貴賓席には各国の大使が座っていた。
Dignitaries from various countries were seated in the VIP section.