Translation guide
The English word "character" covers several distinct concepts. This guide breaks them down into practical meanings for learners: personality/traits, a person in a story, a written symbol, moral strength, and distinctive quality. Each meaning has its own natural Japanese expressions.
Describing someone's inherent qualities, disposition, or typical behavior.
The most common and general word for 'personality' or 'character' of a person. Used in everyday conversation.
He has a cheerful character.
There are people whose characters don't match yours.
Refers to someone's character as perceived by others, often implying warmth, kindness, or good nature. Slightly more formal and positive.
I was drawn to her character.
Refers to 'personality' in a more formal, psychological, or moral sense. Often used in contexts like 'character development' or 'integrity'.
Education is important for character formation.
Referring to a fictional or dramatic person.
The most common word for a fictional character. Often shortened to 'キャラ' in casual speech.
The characters in this anime are appealing.
Means 'role' or 'part', often used for a character in a play, film, or when referring to the part an actor plays.
Referring to a sign used in writing systems.
General term for a character in writing, including letters, kanji, kana, etc.
Japanese has three types of characters.
I can't read this character.
Often used interchangeably with 文字, but can specifically refer to a single character or handwriting. Common in compounds.
Means 'symbol' or 'sign', used for non-letter characters like punctuation, mathematical symbols, etc.
Describing someone's ethical qualities, honesty, or backbone.
Used for moral character or integrity. Often appears in phrases like 人格者 (person of character).
He is a person of good character.
Refers to moral character, decency, or refinement. Often used in formal contexts.
Means 'backbone' or 'moral fiber', implying strength of character and fortitude. Somewhat literary.
Describing the unique feel or character of a location, object, etc.
Means 'distinctive feature' or 'characteristic', often used for places, products, etc.
The character of this town is its old buildings.
Refers to a subtle, refined charm or character, often of a place, art, or object. Evokes a sense of tasteful atmosphere.
Literally 'flavor', but can mean 'character' or 'charm' in a broader sense, often for things with depth.
When describing someone's personality, do not use キャラクター unless you mean a fictional character. Use 性格 for real people's character.
性格 is the most neutral and common for personality. 人柄 focuses on how someone's character is perceived socially, often positive. 人格 is more formal and can refer to moral or psychological character.
He designs game characters.
Literally 'appearing person', used for characters in a narrative, especially in literature or drama. More formal than キャラクター.
Analyze the characters in the novel.
He played the main character.
He has good handwriting (literally 'his characters are good').
How do you read this character?
Plus is a mathematical character/symbol.
彼の品性を疑う。
I doubt his character.
He is a person of strong character.
この庭園は趣がある。
This garden has character.
この古い家具には味わいがある。
This old furniture has character.