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)