Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'entertainer' depends heavily on the type of performance and context. The most common general term is 芸能人 (geinōjin) for celebrities in TV, music, and film. For traditional performers, use 芸人 (geinin). For stage performers like actors and dancers, 演者 (enja) or パフォーマー (pafōmā) are used. Be aware that 芸人 often implies a comedian in modern usage.
彼は有名な芸能人です。
He is a famous entertainer.
A person who appears on television, in movies, or in music as a public figure.
The standard term for a celebrity or entertainer in the media industry. Covers actors, singers, TV personalities, etc.
彼は有名な芸能人です。
He is a famous entertainer.
Often used for TV personalities who may not have a specific skill like singing or acting, but appear on variety shows.
あのタレントはバラエティ番組でよく見る。
I often see that entertainer on variety shows.
A person who performs traditional Japanese arts or comedy, often on stage.
Historically means a performer of traditional arts, but in modern Japanese it strongly implies a comedian or variety show performer.
In contemporary usage, 芸人 almost always means 'comedian'. For non-comedy entertainers, use 芸能人 or other terms.
彼は売れっ子の芸人だ。
He is a popular entertainer (comedian).
Specifically a performer of traditional stage arts like rakugo, magic, or acrobatics. Less common than 芸人.
寄席で演芸人を見た。
I saw a traditional entertainer at the vaudeville theater.
A person who performs on stage, such as in theater, dance, or live shows.
A performer on stage, often used in theater, dance, or music contexts. Neutral and formal.
演者は舞台に立つ前に緊張していた。
The performer was nervous before going on stage.
Loanword from English, used for performers in a broad sense, especially in dance, street performance, or contemporary arts.
A formal or literary term for a performer, often used in historical or traditional contexts.
彼は旅回りの芸能者だった。
He was a traveling entertainer.
A person who provides amusement at a social gathering, such as a host or master of ceremonies.
A person who entertains guests, often in a business or formal social setting.
彼は宴会の接待役を務めた。
He acted as the entertainer at the banquet.
Loanword used for someone who provides entertainment, often in a party or event context. Can sound slightly affected.
彼はパーティーのエンターテイナーとして雇われた。
He was hired as the entertainer for the party.
While 芸人 can be translated as 'entertainer', in modern Japanese it almost exclusively refers to comedians or variety show performers. Avoid using it for serious actors or musicians.
芸人になりたい。
I want to become a comedian.
芸能人 is the broadest term for media celebrities. 芸人 is now synonymous with comedian. タレント often implies a TV personality without a specific artistic skill.
彼女はストリートパフォーマーとして有名だ。
She is famous as a street performer.