Translation guide
In Japanese, the term for 'leading actor' depends on context: film/theater, gender, and whether referring to the role or the person. The most common general term is 主演 (shuen), but specific words like 主演男優 (shuen dan'yū) for male lead and 主演女優 (shuen joyū) for female lead are widely used. In traditional theater, 立役 (tachiyaku) refers to the male lead in kabuki.
The most common way to refer to the leading actor in a production, regardless of gender.
This is the standard term for the leading role or the actor playing it. It can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'to star'.
He played the leading role in that movie.
Literally 'main role', this is very common and can refer to the leading role in any performance, including plays, films, and even metaphorical situations. It emphasizes the role rather than the actor.
Specifically referring to a male actor in the leading role.
The standard term for a male lead actor. Often used in credits and award categories.
Specifically referring to a female actor in the leading role.
The standard term for a female lead actor. Used in credits and awards.
In traditional Japanese kabuki theater, the term for the male lead.
In kabuki, this refers to the actor who plays adult male roles, often the protagonist. It is a specialized term.
Emphasizing the actor who gets top billing or is the main star.
Used to refer to the star actor in a leading role, often in promotional contexts.
主演 (shuen) emphasizes the actor and their performance, while 主役 (shuyaku) emphasizes the role itself. 主演 is more common in film/TV credits, while 主役 is used more broadly for any main role, including in plays or even non-theatrical contexts like 'the main character in a story'.
Who is the lead actor?
彼女は新作ミュージカルの主役に選ばれた。
She was chosen for the lead role in the new musical.
He won the Best Actor award.
A more general way to say 'male lead', but less common than 主演男優.
The male lead of that drama is a newcomer.
Who is the leading actress?
A more general term for 'female lead', but less common than 主演女優.
Movies with female leads are increasing.
He is famous as a leading male actor in kabuki.
The lead star appeared at the stage greeting.
play the lead role
Direct translations like リーディングアクター are not used in natural Japanese. Stick to 主演 or 主役 depending on context.