脇役・傍役・わき役|わきやくwakiyaku[0]heiban (flat)
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Which spelling to use
脇役脇役 is the most common and most standard kanji-only form. It is the form learners are most likely to encounter and should use for this meaning.
傍役傍役 is a less common kanji-only alternative to 脇役. It may appear as a written variant, but beginners should choose 脇役.
わき役わき役 is a less common mixed kanji-and-kana spelling of 脇役. It may appear in writing, but beginning learners should normally choose 脇役.
Definitions
- no-adjectivesupporting role (actor); minor role
Synonyms & antonyms
- Synonym端役はやくNeutralAn insignificant small part with even less stage time than 「脇役」; also figuratively for an unimportant post or duty.
- Relatedちょい役ちょいやくCasualColloquial, mainly for film and TV: a bit part with few or no lines; even more marginal than 「脇役」.
- Relatedチョイ役CasualKatakana spelling of 「ちょい役」 with the same meaning; colloquial, often seen in entertainment news.
- Antonym主役しゅやくNeutralThe leading role or actor, the direct opposite of a 「脇役」 supporting part.
- Antonym主演しゅえんNeutralStarring in the lead; contrasts with 「脇役」 and refers more to the actor than the role.
Use 「脇役」 for a role supporting the lead, also figuratively for someone behind the scenes (「名脇役」). For tiny, unimportant parts pick 「端役」, or colloquial 「ちょい役」/「チョイ役」 for film and TV bit parts. 「主役」 and 「主演」 are the lead, the opposite.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese definitions
Kanji in this word
See also
