Translation guide
Describing someone as a great person in Japanese depends on the nuance: moral greatness, exceptional talent, historical significance, or admirable character. The most common and versatile word is 偉い人 (erai hito), but other terms carry specific connotations.
He is truly a great person.
Emphasizes admirable qualities, often in terms of conduct or achievement. Slightly more formal than 偉い人.
She is a great person, isn't she?
A person of fine character, often used in formal or written contexts. Implies integrity and moral excellence.
He is a person of true character.
To refer to someone who has made a major impact on history or society.
To praise someone's outstanding abilities or achievements.
To refer to someone in a high position, sometimes with a nuance of sarcasm.
偉い人 (erai hito) is a general term for a respectable or admirable person, often used in everyday conversation. 偉人 (ijin) specifically refers to historically great figures and is more formal.
My father is a great person.
Lincoln is a great historical figure.
The English word 'great' can be translated as 大きい (big) or 素晴らしい (wonderful), but for a person, these do not convey the intended meaning. Use the terms above depending on context.
He is a great person in the company.
He is a great talent in music.
上役に報告する。
Report to the higher-ups.