1.
critic; commentator; reviewer
A person who professionally analyzes and critiques works of art, literature, politics, or other fields. Can also be used dismissively to describe someone who only criticizes without taking action themselves.
有名な映画評論家がこの作品を絶賛した。
A famous film critic praised this work highly.
彼は口ばかりの評論家だ。
He's just an armchair critic who only talks.
政治評論家たちがテレビで選挙の結果について議論していた。
Political commentators were discussing the election results on television.
USAGE:
When used in its professional sense, 評論家 is neutral. However, when applied to an ordinary person, it often carries a negative connotation suggesting they criticize without contributing or acting themselves.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 映画評論家 (film critic)
- 文芸評論家 (literary critic)
- 政治評論家 (political commentator)
- 音楽評論家 (music critic)
WORD FORMATION:
評論 (criticism, critique) + 家 (professional suffix). The suffix 家 indicates a person who practices a skill or profession.