Translation guide
A person who is essential or highly influential in a group, project, or organization. In Japanese, this is often expressed with specific terms or descriptive phrases rather than a single direct translation.
Referring to someone whose role, knowledge, or connections are critical to the success of a group or endeavor.
A direct loanword from English, widely understood in business and project contexts. It carries the same nuance of a pivotal individual.
彼はこのプロジェクトのキーパーソンです。
He is the key person for this project.
Literally 'central figure'. Used for someone who is at the core of an activity or group, often implying leadership or indispensable involvement.
彼女は会社の中心人物だ。
She is a key person in the company.
Means 'important person'. A straightforward way to describe someone whose presence or role is significant.
彼は交渉の重要人物だ。
He is a key person in the negotiations.
A formal term for a VIP or important figure, often used in political or diplomatic contexts. Less common in everyday business settings.
政府の要人が会議に出席した。
Key government figures attended the meeting.
Emphasizing that the person holds unique expertise or information that others rely on.
Another loanword, often used interchangeably with キーパーソン, but can slightly emphasize a male figure or a person with critical know-how.
彼がこの技術のキーマンだ。
He is the key person for this technology.
Means 'indispensable person'. A natural, descriptive way to say someone is essential.
彼女はチームに欠かせない人です。
She is a key person for the team.
キーパーソン and キーマン are very common in business Japanese. However, in formal writing or speeches, 中心人物 or 重要人物 may be preferred.
プロジェクトの成功にはキーパーソンの存在が不可欠です。
The presence of a key person is essential for the project's success.