Word
主役
Meaning in Englishleading part
Animated kanji stroke order
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)
Related words by kanji and components
N1
主
nushi
owner, master, god
N1
君主
kunshu
ruler, monarch
N1
自主
jishu
independence, autonomy
N1
主導
shudou
main leadership
N1
主任
shunin
person in charge, responsible official
N1
地主
jinushi
landlord
N1
主演
shuen
starring, playing the leading part
N1
主観
shukan
subjectivity, subject, ego
N1
主権
shuken
sovereignty