Translation guide
A person who plays an important role in an organization, event, or field.
Referring to someone who is central or crucial to a group, project, or situation.
Highlighting someone whose knowledge or position makes them essential.
Used for a key member of a team or group. Neutral and widely applicable.
彼女は研究チームの主要メンバーです。
She is a key figure in the research team.
重要人物 is a straightforward 'important person', while 中心人物 emphasizes being at the core of an activity. Use 中心人物 when the person is actively leading or central to a movement.
The direct translation '鍵の人物' is not used. Use the terms above instead.
A formal and direct translation, suitable for business, politics, or serious contexts.
彼はこのプロジェクトの重要人物です。
He is a key figure in this project.
Emphasizes being at the center of an activity or movement. Common in news and formal contexts.
彼女は改革運動の中心人物だった。
She was a key figure in the reform movement.
A loanword from English, used in business and casual contexts. Sounds modern and slightly informal.
この交渉では彼がキーパーソンだ。
He is the key figure in these negotiations.
Literally 'big shot', used for influential or powerful people, often in politics, business, or entertainment. Can sound colloquial.
彼は政界の大物だ。
He is a key figure in the political world.
Literally 'leading actor', used for someone who plays a pivotal role in a success or event. Often positive.
彼は会社再建の立役者だ。
He is the key figure behind the company's turnaround.