Translation guide
Describes a person who is well-known, influential, or outstanding in a particular field or society. Japanese expressions vary by context: public prominence, leadership, expertise, or notability.
To refer to someone with significant influence, power, or high status in a broad social context.
A person of influence or power, often used in political, business, or community contexts. Neutral and widely applicable.
彼は地元の有力者だ。
He is a prominent figure in the local community.
Literally 'big thing', used for a big shot, heavyweight, or major figure. Slightly informal, often with a nuance of respect or awe.
政界の大物が会議に出席した。
A prominent figure in the political world attended the meeting.
A person of great importance and authority, often a veteran leader in a field. Conveys weight and respect.
彼は業界の重鎮として知られている。
He is known as a prominent figure in the industry.
VIP, important person, often used in official or security contexts (e.g., visiting dignitaries).
外国の要人が来日した。
A prominent figure from abroad visited Japan.
To refer to someone widely recognized by the public, often in media, entertainment, or sports.
General term for a famous person or celebrity. Safe and common in everyday conversation.
彼女はテレビでよく見る有名人だ。
She is a prominent figure often seen on TV.
A person of note, distinguished person. Slightly more formal than 有名人, often used in news or writing.
A person of high repute, often used for respected local figures or community leaders. Somewhat old-fashioned.
To refer to someone highly respected for their knowledge or achievements in a particular domain.
A master, authority, or leading expert in an academic or artistic field. Implies deep knowledge and respect.
彼は日本文学の大家だ。
He is a prominent figure in Japanese literature.
An authority, a person with recognized expertise. Often used in academic or technical contexts.
To refer to someone who played a major role in history.
A great man, a person of outstanding character and achievement. Often used for historical figures.
坂本龍馬は幕末の傑物だ。
Sakamoto Ryoma is a prominent figure of the late Edo period.
A great person, hero, often used in historical or moral contexts. Common in textbooks.
有力者 is a neutral term for an influential person. 大物 is more colloquial and implies a 'big shot' with a strong presence. 重鎮 emphasizes seniority and gravitas, often used for veteran leaders.
English 'prominent figure' is broad. In Japanese, choose a word based on the specific type of prominence (influence, fame, expertise). Using a generic translation like 顕著な人物 sounds unnatural.
多くの著名人が式典に参列した。
Many prominent figures attended the ceremony.
He is respected as a prominent figure in the town.
The foremost person, leading figure in a field. Emphasizes being at the top.
彼女はロボット工学の第一人者だ。
She is a prominent figure in robotics.
He is known as a prominent figure in this field.
He is remembered as a prominent figure in history.