Word
主役
Meaning in Englishleading part
Animated kanji stroke order
Sentence
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Word context
What it means
What does 主役 mean? It denotes the central character or performer in a work who drives the narrative and receives the most focus and screen time, serving as the story's focal point.
Main meanings
- Protagonist or main character in a story, film, manga, or game.
- Lead actor or actress who plays the central role in a production.
- Figurative use for the central figure or main person in a situation or event.
How to use it
Used to label the central figure in media and events; in formal writing and reviews it appears as 主役; in casual speech you may hear phrases such as 彼が主役だ (kare ga shuyaku da) or 主役を演じる (shuyaku o enjiru).
Variants and close terms
- 主演 (shuen) - leading role, main star
- 脇役 (waki-yaku) - supporting role
- 端役 (tanyaku) - minor role
- 主要人物 (shuyō jinbutsu) - key figure
Composition
- 主: main, principal
- 役: role, duty
- Combined: a term for the central character or person who carries the primary role in a story or performance
Word class
Noun (名詞)
Word
Related words by kanji and components
N1
主催
shusai
organization, sponsorship, to host
N1
主食
shushoku
staple food
N1
主人公
shujinkou
protagonist
N1
主体
shutai
subject, main constituent
N1
主題
shudai
subject, theme, motif
N1
役職
yakushoku
post, managerial position, official position
N1
役場
yakuba
town hall
N2
重役
juuyaku
director, high executive
N2
主語
shugo
(gram) subject
Kanji