Japanese word

主役

Pronunciation

Romajishuyaku

Meaning

  • nounlead

Example

この映画では彼が主役です。ko no ei ga de wa kare ga shu yaku de su

He is the lead in this movie.

Illustration for 主役 (lead)

More examples

次の舞台で主役を務めます。tsugi no bu tai de shu yaku o tsuto me ma su

I will play the lead in the next stage production.

Core concept

Identifies the person or role that carries the main focus of a story, performance, or film.

Common phrases

  • 主役になるshu yaku ni na ru

    become the lead

  • 主役を演じるshu yaku o en ji ru

    play the lead

  • 主役を務めるshu yaku o tsuto me ru

    play the lead role

Similar words

主人公shujinkō: The main character in a story, whose experiences form the central thread of the narrative.
主演shuen: The leading performer or role in a film, play, or other production.
中心人物chūshinjinbutsu: A person with a central position in an event, group, or story.

Definition in Japanese

物語や演劇、映画などで、中心となる人物やその役柄。monogatari ya en geki ei ga na do de chū shin to na ru jin butsu ya so no yaku gara

Word origin

The Japanese compound 主役 (shuyaku) combines 主 (shu, "main") and 役 (yaku, "role"), giving it the sense of the main person or role.

Usage tips

  • In English, lead can name either the main performer or the main role, so the surrounding context determines which one it means.

Other meanings

  • leading actornoun
  • leading rolenoun

Opposites

  • 脇役wakiyakusupporting rolenoun

Word lists with this word