Translation guide
Describes a man of exceptional achievement, character, or historical importance. Japanese expressions vary by nuance: historical greatness, moral excellence, or outstanding talent.
Referring to a man who has made a significant impact on history, society, or a field, often with a sense of reverence.
The standard term for a historically great person. Neutral and widely used.
彼は歴史上の偉人だ。
He is a great man in history.
A man of outstanding ability or character, often with a heroic or larger-than-life connotation. More literary.
彼は一代の傑物だった。
He was a great man of his time.
A great man in the sense of a bold, heroic figure, often from history or legend. Emphasizes bravery and strength.
三国志の豪傑たち。
The great men of the Three Kingdoms.
Describing a man admired for his moral qualities, wisdom, or noble spirit.
A common, natural way to say a fine, admirable person. Not limited to men, but context clarifies.
彼は本当に立派な人だ。
He is truly a great man.
A more formal and emphatic expression for a great person, often used in speeches or writing.
彼は偉大な人物として尊敬されている。
He is respected as a great man.
Literally 'saint', used for a man of exceptional virtue, sometimes with religious or philosophical overtones.
A man who is exceptionally talented or accomplished in a particular domain, like arts, science, or business.
Pattern meaning 'great master of ~'. Used for recognized authorities in arts, academia, etc.
彼は茶道の大家だ。
He is a great master of tea ceremony.
A 'great master' in arts or crafts, implying high respect and influence.
ピカソは20世紀の巨匠だ。
Picasso is a great man of the 20th century.
A person of great talent; a genius. Often used in literary contexts.
The direct translation '偉大な男' (idai na otoko) is grammatically correct but sounds unnatural and overly literal. Use context-appropriate terms like 偉人 or 立派な人 instead.
Many Japanese terms for 'great person' are not gender-specific. 偉人 (ijin) and 偉大な人物 (idai na jinbutsu) can refer to any gender, though they are often used for men by default. To specify a woman, 偉大な女性 (idai na josei) is used.
彼はまるで聖人のようだ。
He is like a saint.
He is a great talent in mathematics.