Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
エピゴーネン Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
noun
epigone ; follower ; imitator
A person who follows a great predecessor but lacks originality; often used in literary or artistic contexts. The term carries a slightly negative connotation of being a mere imitator.
from German Epigonen
The painter was seen only as an imitator of the master.
Similar words 模も 倣ほう 者しゃ 模倣者 is a more general term for an imitator or copycat, while エピゴーネン specifically refers to a follower of a great predecessor in art or thought, often implying a lack of originality.
亜あ 流りゅう 亜流 also means a follower or epigone, but is more commonly used in Japanese and can refer to a secondary school of thought or a derivative work, not necessarily with the same historical weight as エピゴーネン.
Etymology Borrowed from German 'Epigonen', plural of 'Epigone', ultimately from Greek 'epigonos' (born after, successor). The term entered Japanese as a loanword, retaining its specialized literary and artistic connotation.
