Translation guide
The English word 'icon' has several distinct meanings: a religious image, a computer symbol, a person who represents an idea, and a person who is a symbol of a field. This guide covers how to express each of these in Japanese.
A small picture on a screen that represents a program, file, or function.
The standard loanword for a computer icon. Used universally in software and web contexts.
デスクトップのアイコンをクリックしてください。
Please click the icon on the desktop.
このアイコンは何のアプリですか？
What app is this icon for?
A sacred image, especially in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, used in worship.
Specifically refers to religious icons of the Eastern Orthodox tradition. This is the standard term in art history and religious contexts.
このイコンは12世紀のものです。
This icon is from the 12th century.
A more general term for a sacred image or statue, not limited to Orthodox icons. Can be used in broader religious contexts.
A person who is widely recognized as a symbol of a particular quality, era, or movement.
Means 'symbol' and is commonly used to describe a person who embodies an idea or era. Often used in phrases like ～の象徴.
彼は平和の象徴として知られている。
He is known as an icon of peace.
The loanword is also used for a person who is a cultural icon, especially in fashion, music, or pop culture. It carries a modern, trendy nuance.
A person who is highly admired and influential in a particular domain, like music or sports.
Loanword from 'legend', often used to describe someone who is an icon in their field. Very common in sports and entertainment.
彼は野球界のレジェンドだ。
He is a baseball icon.
Means 'master' or 'great master', used for highly respected artists, musicians, or craftsmen. Implies exceptional skill and influence.
Literally 'big shot', used informally for a major figure in a field. Can be slightly casual.
アイコン (aikon) is used for computer icons and modern cultural icons. イコン (ikon) is specifically for religious icons. The pronunciation difference is subtle: アイコン has a long 'a' sound, while イコン has a short 'i'.
スマホのアイコンをタップする。
Tap the icon on the smartphone.
ロシアのイコンを鑑賞する。
Appreciate Russian icons.
A beautiful icon was displayed in the church.
彼女はファッションアイコンとして世界中で人気がある。
She is popular worldwide as a fashion icon.
He is respected as an icon of the film industry.
彼は音楽界の大物だ。
He's a big icon in the music world.