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.
The stars are beautiful tonight, aren't they?
あの明るい星は何ですか？
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.
太陽は恒星の一つです。
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.
天体観測が趣味です。
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.
彼はハリウッドスターです。
He is a Hollywood star.
子供の頃、野球のスターに憧れていました。
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.
星の形のクッキーを焼きました。
I baked star-shaped cookies.
クリスマスツリーのてっぺんに星を飾ります。
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).
このホテルは星5つです。
This hotel is five-star.
星3つのレストランを予約した。
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.
五つ星ホテルに泊まりたい。
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.
彼女が今度のドラマの主役です。
She is the star of the upcoming drama.
今日のパーティーでは君が主役だよ。
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.
Standard term for the asterisk symbol. Used in computing and writing.
パスワードにはアスタリスクが表示されます。
Asterisks are displayed for the password.
Literally 'star mark', can refer to an asterisk or any star-shaped symbol. Less technical, more descriptive.
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.
空にスターが輝いている。
Stars are shining in the sky. (unnatural)
空に星が輝いている。
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').
彼女はその映画に主演した。
She starred in that movie.
General term for 'famous person' or 'celebrity'. Broader than スター, can include politicians, authors, etc.
あの有名人を見かけました。
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.
この小説の主人公は勇敢な少年です。
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.