How to say "actor" in Japanese

• 俳優はいゆうJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounThe word you want for an actor or actress as a profession, in film, television or theater; it can also refer to performers more generally. Use this when you simply mean someone who acts.
  彼かれは俳優はいゆうになるべきだった。↗

  He ought to have been an actor.
• 役者やくしゃJLPT N2approx.Common
  nounAnother word for an actor or actress, with a distinctly theatrical flavor; it is especially at home on the stage, so for film and television actors 俳優 is typically the safer choice.
  その役者やくしゃの事ことは聞きいたことが無ない。↗

  I've never heard of the actor.
• 演者えんじゃCommon
  nounA broad word for a performer, covering comedians, musicians and even TV panel participants; it is seldom the word you want for an actor as a profession, though its sense can include actors.

Choose 俳優 for the profession of acting in film, television or theater; 役者 for actors with a distinctly theatrical flavor; 演者 for performers in general, including comedians, musicians and TV panel participants.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 俳優はいゆうactor
• 役者やくしゃactor
• アクターactor
• 芝居者しばいものactor
• 出演者しゅつえんしゃperformer
• 動作主どうさしゅperformer of an action
• 演技者えんぎしゃperformer
• 男優だんゆう(male) actor
• 演者えんじゃperformer