Translation guide
In Japanese, the term for 'leading actor' depends on context: film/theater, gender, and whether referring to the role or the person. The most common general term is 主演 (shuen), but specific words like 主演男優 (shuen dan'yū) for male lead and 主演女優 (shuen joyū) for female lead are widely used. In traditional theater, 立役 (tachiyaku) refers to the male lead in kabuki.
The most common way to refer to the leading actor in a production, regardless of gender.
This is the standard term for the leading role or the actor playing it. It can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'to star'.
彼はその映画で主演を務めた。
He played the leading role in that movie.
主演は誰ですか？
Who is the lead actor?
Literally 'main role', this is very common and can refer to the leading role in any performance, including plays, films, and even metaphorical situations. It emphasizes the role rather than the actor.
Specifically referring to a male actor in the leading role.
The standard term for a male lead actor. Often used in credits and award categories.
主演男優賞を受賞した。
He won the Best Actor award.
Specifically referring to a female actor in the leading role.
The standard term for a female lead actor. Used in credits and awards.
主演女優は誰ですか？
Who is the leading actress?
In traditional Japanese kabuki theater, the term for the male lead.
In kabuki, this refers to the actor who plays adult male roles, often the protagonist. It is a specialized term.
Emphasizing the actor who gets top billing or is the main star.
Used to refer to the star actor in a leading role, often in promotional contexts.
主演スターが舞台挨拶に登場した。
The lead star appeared at the stage greeting.
主演 (shuen) emphasizes the actor and their performance, while 主役 (shuyaku) emphasizes the role itself. 主演 is more common in film/TV credits, while 主役 is used more broadly for any main role, including in plays or even non-theatrical contexts like 'the main character in a story'.
Direct translations like リーディングアクター are not used in natural Japanese. Stick to 主演 or 主役 depending on context.
She was chosen for the lead role in the new musical.
A more general way to say 'male lead', but less common than 主演男優.
そのドラマの男性主演は新人だ。
The male lead of that drama is a newcomer.
A more general term for 'female lead', but less common than 主演女優.
女性主演の映画が増えている。
Movies with female leads are increasing.
彼は歌舞伎の立役として有名だ。
He is famous as a leading male actor in kabuki.