アイドル

noun

Japanese idol; pop idol; idol singer

Refers specifically to a performer in a manufactured pop group (boy band or girl group) whose public image is carefully cultivated to attract a dedicated fan base. This is the most common modern meaning in Japanese.

• 彼かの女じょは人にん気きアイドルグループのメンバーだ。

  She is a member of a popular idol group.

• アイドルを目め指ざしてレッスンに通かよっている。

  I'm taking lessons aiming to become an idol.

noun

icon; star; celebrity; admired figure

A broader, figurative use for any person who is greatly admired, like a cultural icon or a star in any field. Not limited to the pop music industry.

• 彼かれは若わか者もののアイドルとして知しられている。

  He is known as an idol for young people.

• あの作さっ家かは多おおくの読どく者しゃにとってアイドル的てきな存そん在ざいだ。

  That author is an idol-like figure for many readers.

noun

idol (religious); graven image

Refers to a physical object of worship, such as a statue or image. This is a more literal, often religious or historical usage, and is less common in everyday conversation. The synonym 偶像 is more frequently used for this meaning.

See also: 偶像

• 古こ代だいの人ひと々びとは木きや石いしで作つくったアイドルを崇すう拝はいした。

  Ancient people worshiped idols made of wood or stone.