Translation guide
The English word 'star' can refer to a celestial body, a famous person, a shape, or a rating. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning, from everyday conversation to formal contexts.
Referring to a star in the sky, such as the sun, distant suns, or visible points of light at night.
The most common and general word for 'star' as a celestial body. Used for stars in the night sky, planets (historically), and even the sun in poetic contexts.
今夜は星がきれいですね。
The stars are beautiful tonight, aren't they?
What is that bright star?
Technical term for a 'fixed star', i.e., a star like the sun that produces its own light. Used in astronomy and science contexts.
The sun is one of the stars.
General term for 'celestial body', including stars, planets, moons, etc. Not specific to stars, but used in formal or scientific contexts.
Stargazing (observing celestial bodies) is my hobby.
Referring to a famous actor, singer, athlete, or other prominent figure.
Loanword from English, widely used for celebrities in entertainment, sports, etc. Natural in casual and media contexts.
He is a Hollywood star.
When I was a child, I admired baseball stars.
Literally 'popular person'. Often used for someone who is well-liked, not necessarily a global star. Can be used for local celebrities or popular kids at school.
Literally 'flower shape', used figuratively for a 'star' or 'leading figure' in a particular field, such as a star player or top performer. Somewhat literary.
Referring to the geometric shape with points, often used in symbols, decorations, or ratings.
Same word as celestial star, also used for the shape. Context distinguishes the meaning.
I baked star-shaped cookies.
We put a star on top of the Christmas tree.
Sometimes used for the shape in contexts like 'star mark' or 'star rating', especially in loanword compounds.
Referring to a rating system using stars, e.g., five-star hotel, movie rating.
Pattern for 'N-star(s)'. Use the counter つ for small numbers (1-9). For larger numbers, use 個 (こ).
This hotel is five-star.
I booked a three-star restaurant.
Alternative pattern where the number comes first, often used attributively. Note the rendaku (voicing) of ほし to ぼし.
I want to stay at a five-star hotel.
Referring to the main actor or most prominent person in a show, team, or event.
Means 'leading role' or 'star' in a play, movie, or event. Can also be used metaphorically for the center of attention.
She is the star of the upcoming drama.
You're the star of today's party.
Means 'protagonist' or 'main character' in a story. Not typically used for real-life celebrities unless referring to their role in a narrative.
Referring to the typographical symbol used for footnotes, multiplication, or wildcards.
星 (ほし) is the native Japanese word for a celestial star or star shape. スター is a loanword used almost exclusively for celebrities or star ratings in modern contexts. Using スター for a star in the sky sounds unnatural.
Stars are shining in the sky. (unnatural)
Stars are shining in the sky. (natural)
English uses 'star' as a verb (e.g., 'She stars in the movie'). Japanese does not use 星 or スター as a verb. Instead, use phrases like 主演する (しゅえんする, 'to play the leading role') or 出演する (しゅつえんする, 'to appear in').
She starred in that movie.
General term for 'famous person' or 'celebrity'. Broader than スター, can include politicians, authors, etc.
I spotted that celebrity.
彼はクラスの人気者です。
He is the star of the class.
彼はチームの花形選手だ。
He is the star player of the team.
This app has a five-star rating.
The star of this novel is a brave boy.
重要な項目には星印を付けてください。
Please mark important items with a star.