1.
heroine, female lead
The main female character in a story, film, or other narrative. Also used for a woman admired for her courage or achievements.
Usage
ヒロイン refers specifically to a female protagonist or admired woman. The male counterpart is ヒーロー. In anime and manga, ヒロイン often refers to the main female love interest rather than the protagonist.
Common collocations
- ヒロイン役: the heroine role
- 悲劇のヒロイン: tragic heroine; (figuratively) someone who casts herself as the victim
- ヒロインになる: to become the heroine
Similar words
主人公 (protagonist) is gender-neutral. ヒロイン specifically means the female lead.