1.
great supporting actor; excellent character actor
An actor who excels in supporting roles, adding depth and quality to a production without being the lead.
あの俳優は名脇役だ。
That actor is a great supporting player.
この映画は名脇役たちの演技が光っている。
In this film, the performances of the supporting cast shine.
主役を引き立てる名脇役がいてこそ、良いドラマになる。
A good drama needs skilled supporting actors who bring out the best in the lead.
2.
excellent supporting player; key contributor in a secondary role
Used figuratively for any person or thing that plays an outstanding secondary role, supporting and enhancing the main element.
わさびは寿司の名脇役だ。
Wasabi is the unsung supporting star of sushi.
彼はチームの名脇役として活躍した。
He performed brilliantly as a key supporting player on the team.
地味だが欠かせない名脇役のような存在だ。
It's like an understated but indispensable supporting player.
Combines the prefix 名 (fine, distinguished, masterful) with 脇役 (supporting role). The 名 prefix elevates 脇役 from merely "supporting actor" to one who is recognized for excellence in that role.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 名脇役として知られる: known as a great character actor
- 名脇役が揃う: a lineup of excellent supporting actors
- 名脇役俳優: distinguished supporting actor
CULTURAL CONTEXT:
Japanese film and television place high value on supporting actors, and 名脇役 is a genuine term of respect. Many beloved actors in Japan are celebrated specifically for their career-long excellence in supporting roles. The concept is also frequently applied outside entertainment to describe anything that fulfills a supporting function superbly.
RELATED TERMS:
- 主役: lead role; protagonist
- 脇役: supporting role
- 助演: supporting performance