Translation guide
Describes a person who is the most important or prominent in a group, event, or movement. Japanese uses various nouns and compounds depending on the context.
The most important or influential person within a team, company, or social circle.
A direct and common translation for 'central figure', meaning the person at the center of an activity or group.
彼はプロジェクトの中心人物だ。
He is the central figure of the project.
A loanword from English 'key person', often used in business or organizational contexts.
この会社のキーパーソンは誰ですか？
Who is the key person in this company?
Literally 'central pillar', metaphorically the mainstay or central figure of a family or organization. Conveys a sense of support and indispensability.
父は家族の大黒柱です。
My father is the central figure of our family.
A person who plays a central role in a historical event, social movement, or public activity.
Also works for events and movements, emphasizing the person's central role.
彼女は市民運動の中心人物だった。
She was a central figure in the citizens' movement.
Originally a leading actor in kabuki, now used for a person who plays a central role in any undertaking.
Literally 'leading role', can be used metaphorically for a central figure in an event, but often implies a more dramatic or starring role.
The main character or protagonist around whom a story revolves.
The standard word for 'protagonist' or 'main character' in a story, film, or novel.
この小説の主人公は若い女性です。
The central figure of this novel is a young woman.
彼は改革の立役者として知られている。
He is known as a central figure in the reform.
He was the central figure at that meeting.
Can be used for a central figure in a narrative, though 主人公 is more common for fictional works.
この映画の中心人物は三人の兄弟だ。
The central figures of this movie are three brothers.