主役|しゅやくshuyaku[0]heiban (flat)

1. no-adjectiveleading part; leading actor; leading actress
   ケイトは映画えいがで主役しゅやくを演えんじる機会きかいを与あたえられました。↗

   Kate has been given an opportunity to play a major role in a movie.

• Synonym主演しゅえんNeutralRefers to the act of starring in a production or the actor who does so, as in 「映画に主演する」; 「主役」 is the leading role itself or its performer.
• Synonym主人公しゅじんこうNeutralThe central character of a novel, film or play; 「主役」 stresses the leading part in a performance and can also mean a key figure in events.
• RelatedヒーローNeutralA loanword for a hero or male lead, carrying a positive, heroic image; 「主役」 is not limited to heroes.
• Related主演者しゅえんしゃNeutralA performer who takes the lead in a film or drama; 「主役」 can mean the leading role or its performer, and by extension a central figure in something.
• Antonym脇役わきやくNeutralThe opposite of 「主役」 in terms of role importance: a supporting role that helps the lead.
• Antonym端役はやくNeutralThe opposite of 「主役」 in terms of role importance: a very small, minor part, like a walk-on.

Use 「主役」 for the leading role in a play or film, its performer, or the key figure in something. Use 「主演」 for the act of starring, 「主演者」 for the lead actor, 「主人公」 for a work's central character, and 「ヒーロー」 for a hero; 「脇役」 and 「端役」 are opposites.

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

1. 演劇えんげきなどで、最もっとも主要しゅような役やく。または、それを演えんじる人ひと。
2. ものごとの主しゅたる役割やくわり。またそれを担になう人ひとやもの。