芸人
Meanings
TV comedian; comedian
In modern Japanese, 芸人 most commonly refers to television comedians, especially those appearing on variety shows. Often used for members of comedy duos or groups.
He is a popular TV comedian.
I'm attending a training school to become a comedian.
Broader sense for performers of traditional arts (e.g., rakugo, kabuki, noh) or general entertainers. Less common than the comedian sense in everyday speech.
He performs on stage as a traditional performing artist.
talented person; accomplished person
Rare, somewhat archaic usage referring to a person of talent or accomplishment in any field. Modern Japanese would more commonly use 才能のある人 or 有能な人.
In old texts, 芸人 can simply mean 'a talented person'.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉は芸人になるfor someone to become a comedian/performer
He dropped out of college and became a comedian.
- 芸人としてデビューするto debut as a comedian/performer
She made her debut as a comedian in her teens.
- 芸人を目指すto aim to become a comedian/performer
He moved to Tokyo to pursue becoming a comedian.
- 〈人〉という芸人a comedian/performer named ...
Do you know a comedian named Yamada?