Translation guide
Describes someone of high status, influence, or significance in a particular context. Japanese expressions vary by formality, relationship, and the nature of the importance.
Referring to someone important in a formal, official, or public context, such as a VIP, dignitary, or high-ranking individual.
Standard term for a VIP, dignitary, or important figure, often used in news or formal contexts.
多くの要人が式典に出席した。
Many important people attended the ceremony.
Literally 'important person', a straightforward and neutral term suitable for both formal and informal settings.
彼は会社の重要人物だ。
He is an important person in the company.
Refers to a 'big shot' or influential figure, often in politics, business, or entertainment. Slightly informal.
彼は政界の大物だ。
He's a big shot in the political world.
An influential or powerful person, often used in contexts of authority or decision-making.
地元の有力者が集まった。
Local influential people gathered.
Expressing that someone is personally important or precious to you, such as a loved one or close friend.
The most natural way to say 'someone important to me' in a personal, emotional sense. Used for family, partners, close friends.
彼女は私にとって大切な人です。
She is an important person to me.
Similar to 大切な人, but slightly more casual. Also means 'precious person'.
家族は私の大事な人たちです。
My family are important people to me.
Referring to someone who plays a crucial role in a team, organization, or event.
Loanword from English, widely used in business and project contexts to mean 'key person'.
彼がこのプロジェクトのキーパーソンだ。
He is the key person for this project.
Referring to someone in a higher position within a hierarchy, such as a boss or senior.
Standard term for a superior or someone of higher status, emphasizing the hierarchical relationship. Polite.
目上の人には敬語を使います。
Use honorific language with important people (superiors).
Specifically means 'boss' or 'superior' in a workplace context.
新しい上司はとても厳しい。
The new boss is very strict.
Directly translating 'important person' as 重要な人 (じゅうようなひと) is grammatically correct but sounds unnatural in most contexts. Use the specific terms above depending on the nuance.
Both mean 'precious person', but 大切な人 is slightly more formal and emotionally weighty. 大事な人 is more casual and commonly used in daily conversation.
Literally 'central figure', used for someone at the core of an activity or movement.
彼女は改革の中心人物だった。
She was a central figure in the reform.