How to say "prominent" in Japanese

• 有数ゆうすうCommon
  na-adjective, no-adjective, noun (suffix)Covers 'prominent' as 'among the top few': leading or foremost within a group. Typical when saying a city, university, or company is one of the most prominent in the country.
  この山やまは世界せかいでも有数ゆうすうの高たかい山やまです。↗

  This mountain is among the highest in the world.
• 有力ゆうりょくJLPT N1approx.Common
  na-adjective, nounHere 'prominent' overlaps with 'influential' or 'leading': having real weight or standing as a strong contender. Fits a prominent candidate, an influential figure, or the leading contender in a race.
  コカ・コーラは清涼飲料水せいりょういんりょうすいではいつも最さい有力ゆうりょく会社かいしゃだ。↗

  Coke has always been the top dog when it comes to soft drinks.
• 指折りゆびおりCommon
  no-adjectivePictures counting the top few on your fingers: one of the foremost in a field. Suits praising someone as among the very best, such as a leading athlete or scholar.
• 立派りっぱJLPT N5approx.Common
  na-adjectiveThis one is seldom the word you want for 'prominent': it really means splendid, fine, or handsome. It praises impressive appearance or quality, not fame or leading status.
  私わたしたちの学校がっこうには立派りっぱな図書館としょかんがあります。↗

  We have a nice school library.
• 著名ちょめいJLPT N1approx.Common
  na-adjective, nounCovers 'prominent' in its best-known sense: famous or noted. Use for a prominent writer, scientist, or scholar whose name is widely recognized in their field.
  スミス氏しは著名ちょめいなバイオリニストである。↗

  Mr Smith is an eminent violinist.

Choose 著名 for the well-known sense of prominent, 有数 or 「指折り」 for being among the leading few, 有力 for influence or front-runner status, and not 立派, which means splendid rather than prominent.

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

• 有数ゆうすうprominent
• 有力ゆうりょくinfluential
• 指折りゆびおりleading
• 立派りっぱsplendid
• 著名ちょめいfamous
• そうそうeminent
• 卓立たくりつprominent
• プロミネントprominent
• 主だったおもだったchief
• ご立派ごりっぱsplendid
• 大だいgreat
• 鬱然うつぜんprominent