How to say "idol" in Japanese

• 偶像ぐうぞうCommon
  nounCovers an idol in the literal sense: a physical image, statue, or figure that is worshipped, often with a critical or religious connotation, as in discussions of religious images or false gods.
• アイドルCommon
  nounThis is the word for a cultural idol: a popular singer, performer, or celebrity with devoted fans. This borrowed word is what you want for pop idols and teen heartthrobs, not for religious figures.
  彼女かのじょはいわば我々われわれのアイドルだった。↗

  She was, so to speak, our idol.
• 本尊ほんぞんCommon
  nounRefers to the principal object of worship enshrined at a Buddhist temple, or figuratively something or someone deeply revered. It is really a religious-term sense of 'idol', seldom used for pop celebrities.

Use 偶像 for a physical image or statue worshipped as sacred, 「アイドル」 for a beloved celebrity or pop star, and 本尊 for the principal object of worship enshrined at a temple.

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

• 偶像ぐうぞうimage
• 神像しんぞうidol (i.e. carving or painting of a deity)
• イドラidol (esp. in the philosophy of Francis Bacon: idols of the tribe, cave, market, and theater)
• 御本尊ごほんぞんprincipal object of worship at a temple (usu. a buddha or bodhisattva)
• アイドル(cultural) icon
• 本尊ほんぞんidol
• カリスマsomeone famous (usu. for their talent)