花形(はながた)

はながた
noun
star, leading figure
person
1. star, leading figure, most popular
The most prominent, popular, or glamorous person or thing in a group or field. Originally from kabuki theater, where it referred to the star actor. Now used broadly for the star player, star attraction, or most glamorous role in any field.
彼(かれ)はチームの花形(はながた)だ。
He is the star of the team.
花形(はながた)選手(せんしゅ)が怪我(けが)で欠場(けつじょう)した。
The star player was absent due to injury.
かつては花形(はながた)産業(さんぎょう)だった繊維(せんい)業(ぎょう)も、今(いま)は厳(きび)しい時代(じだい)だ。
The textile industry, once a star industry, now faces tough times.

Usage

Originally a kabuki term for the star performer. Now used as a modifier (noun + noun) to describe the star or most glamorous element in any context: 花形(はながた)選手(せんしゅ) (star player), 花形(はながた)産業(さんぎょう) (star/glamour industry), 花形(はながた)部署(ぶしょ) (star department in a company).

The literal meaning is "flower shape," reflecting the idea that the star is like a flower — the most eye-catching part.

Common collocations

Related Words

Compare: エース (ace)
general
Added 2026.2.27 16:54 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
13500/13966_hanagata