How to say "celebrity" in Japanese

• スターJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounCovers 'celebrity' in the sense of a star—a glamorous, admired figure such as an actor or athlete. Emphasizes stardom and brilliance rather than mere fame.
  スターの野球やきゅう選手せんしゅはよくサインを求もとめられる。↗

  Star baseball players are often asked for autographs.
• 名士めいしCommon
  nounCovers 'celebrity' as a respected personage—a prominent figure known in a community or field, such as a local dignitary. It is not the usual word for entertainers or media celebrities.
  市長しちょうのほかにたくさんの名士めいしが出席しゅっせきしていた。↗

  Beside the mayor, many other distinguished guests were present.
• 有名人ゆうめいじんCommon
  nounThe broad, neutral word for 'celebrity' or 'famous person': anyone widely known to the public, whatever the reason. When you just mean a famous person, this is usually the word to reach for.
  彼かれはちょっとした有名人ゆうめいじんです。↗

  He is something of a celebrity.
• 芸能人げいのうじんCommon
  nounCovers 'celebrity' specifically as someone in the entertainment world—an entertainer or performer such as an actor, singer, or comedian. Use it when the person's fame comes from show business.
  今日きょうお気に入きにいりの芸能人げいのうじんが出でてるミュージカルを見みに行いった。彼かれは、今年ことしの一押いちおしだね。↗

  I went to a musical with my favorite actor today. He's the one must-see for this year.
• パーソナリティーCommon
  nounCovers 'celebrity' in the sense of a TV or media personality—a figure known from broadcasting. It is really a loanword for 'personality', so it fits the media sense rather than fame in general.

有名人 is the default word for a famous person; 芸能人 narrows it to show-business figures, 「スター」 to stars, 「パーソナリティー」 to TV personalities, and 名士 to respected local notables.

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

• スターstar (actor, athlete, etc.)
• 名士めいしcelebrity
• 有名人ゆうめいじんcelebrity
• 芸能人げいのうじんentertainer
• セレブceleb
• セレブリティーcelebrity
• 著名人ちょめいじんcelebrity
• パーソナリティーTV personality
• アイドル(cultural) icon
• カリスマsomeone famous (usu. for their talent)