役者(やくしゃ)

やくしゃ
noun
actor
1. actor, performer
A person who performs in plays, films, or other dramatic productions.
彼(かれ)は有名(ゆうめい)な役者(やくしゃ)だ。
He is a famous actor.
歌舞伎(かぶき)役者(やくしゃ)として修行(しゅぎょう)している。
He is training as a kabuki actor.
一流(いちりゅう)の役者(やくしゃ)になりたい。
I want to become a top-class actor.

役者(やくしゃ) means actor, with a traditional or theatrical nuance. It especially evokes stage performance and the performing arts.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 役者(やくしゃ)になる: to become an actor
  • 歌舞伎(かぶき)役者(やくしゃ): kabuki actor
  • 大(おお)役者(やくしゃ): great actor
  • 役者(やくしゃ)魂(だましい): actor's spirit, dedication to the craft

CONTRAST WITH 俳優(はいゆう):
俳優(はいゆう) is the general, modern term for actor (film, TV, theater). 役者(やくしゃ) has a more traditional feel and is especially common for stage and kabuki actors. 役者(やくしゃ) can also imply someone skilled at playing a role in life: あの人(ひと)はなかなかの役者(やくしゃ)だ (That person is quite the performer/schemer).

RELATED TERMS:

  • 俳優(はいゆう): actor (general, modern term)
  • 女優(じょゆう): actress
  • 名優(めいゆう): great actor, master performer

Related Words

Synonym: 俳優(はいゆう) (actor (general))
Related: 女優(じょゆう) (actress)
general
Added 2026.1.16 11:32 · Revised 2026.4.13 12:56
05000/05113_yakusha