俳優|はいゆうhaiyuu[0]heiban (flat)

JLPT N3approx.Common
Definitions
  1. nounactor; actress; player; performer
    彼かれは俳優はいゆうになるべきだった。↗
    He ought to have been an actor.
Synonyms & antonyms
  • Synonym役者やくしゃNeutralAn actor, especially in kabuki or on the stage; also used figuratively for a clever, resourceful person. 「俳優」 is the more formal term.
  • Related出演者しゅつえんしゃNeutralAnyone who appears in a program or production, not limited to actors — it also covers hosts and guests. Neutral in register.

Use 「俳優」 as the default, formal word for a professional actor. 「役者」 is common for kabuki and stage actors and can also mean a shrewd, capable person. 「出演者」 covers anyone appearing in a program, including hosts and guests.

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

Japanese definitions
  1. (はいゆう)演劇えんげきなどにおいて、自己じこの身体しんたい表現ひょうげんによって他者たしゃを演えんじることを職掌しょくしょうとする人ひと。
  2. (はいゆう) 先秦せんしん時代じだいにおいて、君主くんしゅの側がわにはべって主人しゅじんを楽たのしませることを職掌しょくしょうとする者もの。優ゆう、優人ひろと、倡優、俳倡ともいう。小人こびと・巨人きょじん等とう、何なんらかの身体的しんたいてき特徴とくちょうを持もち、歌うた・音楽おんがく・雑伎ざつぎなどを身みに付つけていた。すなわち、宮廷きゅうてい道化師どうけしの類たぐい。
Kanji in this word
English equivalents

JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

Say it right, write it right

Core lookup works fully offline, with cloud pronunciation and one-tap save & review. Free, no sign-up.

Free downloadWindowsFree downloadmacOSDownload on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
MobileiOS / Android

Android

QR code for the Google Play pageGet it on Google Play

Scan it with your Android phone to install, or search for “Tomoshi” on Google Play.

iOS

QR code for the App Store pageDownload on the App Store

Scan it with your iPhone camera to install, or search for “Tomoshi” in the App Store.

Install the browser extensionLook words up on any web page · Chrome / Edge / Safari

Screenshot of a Tomoshi lookup resultScreenshot of Tomoshi lookup results on a phone

Windows macOS Chrome / Edge / Safari extension iOS / Android