1.
supporting role, supporting actor, secondary part
A secondary or supporting role in a play, film, or other performance, as opposed to the lead. Also used figuratively for someone who plays a secondary or supporting part in any situation.
彼は脇役ながら存在感がある。
Despite being in a supporting role, he has a strong presence.
この映画は脇役の演技が光っている。
The supporting actors' performances shine in this film.
主役を引き立てるのが脇役の仕事だが、時には脇役が物語を動かすこともある。
The supporting actor's job is to make the lead shine, but sometimes the supporting cast drives the story.
USAGE NOTE:
Also used figuratively outside of entertainment — for example, someone who plays a secondary role in a project or event. The figurative use is not necessarily negative.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 脇役を演じる (play a supporting role)
- 脇役に徹する (commit fully to a supporting role)
- 脇役ながら (though in a supporting role)
CONTRAST:
- 主役: lead role, protagonist (opposite of 脇役)
- 端役: bit part, minor role (even smaller than 脇役)
- 助演: supporting performance (used in award categories like 助演男優賞)