How to say "performer" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- nounCovers a doer — the person who carries out an action — rather than an entertainer; as 'performer' it is seldom the word you want for someone on a stage.
- 芸能人げいのうじんnounA public figure in the entertainment world — singers, actors, comedians, TV personalities; it stresses celebrity status in the media more than the act of performing itself.
- 俳優はいゆうnounThe performer as actor or actress — someone who plays roles in films, television dramas, or on the stage; use it when 'performer' means someone acting a part.彼は俳優になるべきだった。↗He ought to have been an actor.
- 芸人げいにんnounA professional entertainer, especially of a traditional performing art; in everyday use it most often refers to comedians, so think of comic and variety entertainers.
- 演者えんじゃnounThe word for whoever is actually performing — on a stage, in a show, or as a participant on a TV panel; it points to the performing role itself rather than celebrity.
For a stage or show performer use 演者, 俳優 for acting roles, 芸人 for traditional-arts and comedy entertainers, 芸能人 for media celebrities, while 「して」 means a doer of actions, not a stage performer.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
This browser can't play pronunciations (needs Safari 18.4 or later, or Chrome / Edge / Firefox).
