Translation guide
Describes someone with significant influence, authority, or ability to affect outcomes. Japanese expressions vary by the source of power (political, social, physical, etc.) and context.
A person with authority, influence, or high status in an organization, society, or field.
A neutral term for an influential person, often in business, politics, or local communities.
彼は地元の有力者だ。
He is a powerful person in the local community.
Emphasizes actual ability or influence, often behind the scenes, rather than just title.
彼は党内の実力者として知られている。
He is known as a powerful figure within the party.
Literally 'big fish'; a prominent or heavyweight person in a field. Slightly informal.
彼は政界の大物だ。
He's a big shot in the political world.
Specifically a person who holds power or authority, often with a nuance of control over others.
彼は絶対的な権力者だ。
He is an absolute ruler.
Someone who possesses great physical strength, combat ability, or military might.
Literally 'strong person'; can refer to a warrior, a formidable opponent, or someone physically powerful. Often used in historical or competitive contexts.
彼は戦国時代の強者だった。
He was a powerful warrior of the Warring States period.
A powerful person or team, especially in sports or competition. Can also refer to a dominant figure.
A being with magical, divine, or superhuman abilities.
A person with supernatural or divine power. More descriptive than a set term.
彼は神通力のある人だと言われている。
He is said to be a person with supernatural powers.
Directly translating 'powerful person' as パワフルな人 sounds unnatural and is not idiomatic. Use the terms above depending on context.
彼は業界の強豪だ。
He is a powerhouse in the industry.