Japanese word

有名人

Pronunciation

Romajiyūmeijin

Meaning

  • nouncelebrity

Example

有名人が町に来ました。yū mei jin ga machi ni ki ma shi ta

A celebrity came to town.

Illustration for 有名人 (celebrity)

More examples

子どもたちは有名人の写真を見て喜びました。ko do mo ta chi wa yū mei jin no sha shin o mi te yoroko bi ma shi ta

The children were happy to see a celebrity's photo.

Core concept

Centers on a person whose name and activities are widely known to the public, often through a public career.

Common phrases

  • 有名人に会うyū mei jin ni a u

    meet a celebrity

  • 有名人の名前yū mei jin no na mae

    a celebrity's name

  • 有名人を招くyū mei jin o mane ku

    invite a celebrity

Similar words

著名人chomeinin: A person who is widely known and recognized for achievements in a field.
人気者ninkisha: A person who is widely admired and attracts many supporters or fans.
スターsutā: A highly popular performer or athlete who attracts public attention.

Definition in Japanese

多くの人に名前や活動を知られている人。ō ku no hito ni na mae ya katsu dō o shi ra re te i ru hito

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese word 有名人 (yūmeijin) combines 有 (yū, "have"), 名 (mei, "name"), and 人 (jin, "person"), forming the sense of a person whose name is widely known.

Usage tips

  • In English, celebrity often suggests entertainment or sports fame, while public figure also includes people known for public roles; 有名人 (yūmeijin) can cover both.

Other meanings

  • public figurenoun

Opposites

  • 無名人mumeijinunknown personnoun

Word lists with this word