Translation guide
Describes someone who is not present where they are expected to be, such as at school, work, or an event. Japanese expressions vary based on context, formality, and whether the absence is temporary or habitual.
To refer to someone who is not at school, work, or a similar regular commitment.
Standard, neutral term for an absentee, especially in formal contexts like school or meetings. Literally 'absence person'.
今日の会議の欠席者は3名です。
There are three absentees from today's meeting.
Casual, everyday way to say 'person who is off/absent'. Suitable for informal conversations.
今日は休みの人が多いね。
There are a lot of absentees today, huh.
More general term for someone not present, often used in official or written contexts. Can imply temporary absence from a place.
不在者投票の手続きを教えてください。
Please tell me the procedure for absentee voting.
Specifically refers to someone absent from work. Used in business or HR contexts.
今月の欠勤者のリストを作成してください。
Please make a list of this month's absentees.
To describe someone who frequently or habitually misses school, work, or other obligations.
Refers to a child who habitually does not attend school. A sensitive term often used in educational and social welfare contexts.
不登校児の支援が重要です。
Support for habitual absentees is important.
Formal term for a habitual absentee, used in official reports or disciplinary contexts.
彼は常習欠席者として警告を受けた。
He received a warning as a habitual absentee.
Plain, descriptive phrase for a child who doesn't go to school. Less clinical than 不登校児.
学校に行かない子が増えている。
The number of children who don't go to school is increasing.
To use 'absentee' as an adjective-like modifier, e.g., absentee landlord, absentee ballot.
Pattern meaning 'absent [noun]'. Used for absentee landlord, absentee owner, etc.
不在の家主が問題になっている。
Absentee landlords are becoming a problem.
Used in compounds like 欠席届 (absence notice) or 欠席者 (absentee person).
欠席届を提出してください。
Please submit an absentee notice.
The English word 'absentee' is often used as a modifier (e.g., absentee ballot). In Japanese, you usually need to use a phrase like 不在の〜 or a compound noun. Directly translating 'absentee' as a standalone noun may sound unnatural.
欠席者 is specifically for people absent from an event, class, or meeting. 不在者 is broader and can refer to anyone not present at a location, including for voting or official purposes.
Fixed phrase for 'absentee voting/ballot'.
不在者投票を利用するつもりです。
I plan to use an absentee ballot.