How to say "comedian" in Japanese

Choosing the right word

コメディアンCommon
nounCovers 'comedian' directly: a person whose profession is making people laugh, as in stand-up or comedy performance. This is the straightforward word you want for the occupation itself.
コメディアンは無惨むざんな死しや大事故だいじこといった悲劇的ひげきてき状況じょうきょうを冗談じょうだんのネタにしている。↗
Comedians base their jokes on tragic situations like violent death or serious accidents.
三枚目さんまいめCommon
nounRefers to the comic-role actor in a traditional performing-arts troupe, or such a person by extension; it can gloss as 'comedian' but is really about playing funny roles, not stand-up comedy.

Use 「コメディアン」 for a comedian in the general, professional sense; use 三枚目 when referring to an actor who plays comic roles in a troupe or production.

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

Japanese equivalents

Say it right, write it right