Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 登場人物 | tōjōjinbutsu | [to̞ːʑo̞ːʑĩmbɯ̟t͡sɨ] (narrow) |
| キャラクター | kyarakutā | [kʲa̠ɾa̠kɯ̟̊ta̠ː] (narrow) |
Depending on the context, you will use different terms. Use 登場人物 when discussing the people or figures within a literary or dramatic work, such as a novel or a play. Use キャラクター more broadly for characters in media like anime, games and mascots, particularly when focusing on their design or personality. It is also the standard term used when discussing 'character design' or 'character goods' in pop culture. Note that the word 性格 refers to 'personality' and 役割 refers to 'role'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 登場人物 is composed of 登場 (appearing or entering the stage) and 人物 (person or figure).
Which one should you use?
登場人物 is used for characters within a literary or dramatic work. In contrast, キャラクター is a loanword used more broadly for fictional characters in media like anime, games and mascots, often focusing on their design or personality.
How do you pronounce it?
tōjōjinbutsu
Did you know?
- Japanese pop culture uses the phrase キャラ崩壊 (kyara hōkai), which literally means 'character collapse'. It describes a moment when a character acts completely out of personality.
- The word キャラ (kyara) has evolved into a verb, キャラ化する (kyaraka suru), which means to turn something or someone into a stylized, simplified character.
- The word キャラクター was first attested in Japanese as early as 1875, shortly after the Meiji Restoration began opening Japan to Western influence.
Examples in context
- この本の登場人物では誰が好き？Who's your favorite character in this book?This sentence is useful for asking about a favorite character in a book using 登場人物.Tatoeba #2416436 by tommy_san, translation #908682 by CK
- 一番好きなアニメキャラクターは何ですか？What's your favorite anime character?This sentence is useful for asking about a favorite anime character using キャラクター.Tatoeba #9975078 by small_snow, translation #5373872 by Hybrid
- くまのプーさんは、私が一番好きなディズニーのキャラクターなんだ。Winnie the Pooh is my favourite Disney cartoon character.This sentence is useful for mentioning a favorite Disney character using キャラクター.Tatoeba #10572388 by small_snow, translation #10572384 by nonong
- 『ナルト』の キャラ は、個性豊かで魅力的ですね。The characters from 'Naruto' are unique and fascinating, aren't they?
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Hiroto are talking about a movie they just watched.
- 結衣 Yuiこの映画の登場人物はみんな個性的だね。Kono eiga no toujou jinbutsu wa minna koseiteki da ne.All the characters in this movie are unique, aren't they?
- 大翔 Hirotoそうだね。特に主人公が面白いと思う。Sou da ne. Tokuni shujinkou ga omoshiroi to omou.Yeah. I think the main character is especially interesting.
- 結衣 Yui結衣はどの登場人物が一番好き？Yui wa dono toujou jinbutsu ga ichiban suki?Which character do you like the most, Yui?
- 大翔 Hiroto私はサブキャラクターの彼が大好きだよ。Watashi wa sabu kyarakutaa no kare ga daisuki da yo.I love the supporting character, him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “character” translations and entries 登場人物, キャラクター, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries キャラクター, 登場人物, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
