Translation guide
How to express 'in person' in Japanese, covering face-to-face meetings, doing something personally, and related nuances.
The most common meaning: doing something directly with someone, not via phone, online, or through others.
Literally 'meeting directly'. This is the most natural way to say 'in person' when referring to meeting or talking face-to-face.
直接会って話したいです。
I want to talk in person.
Emphasizing that you yourself do something, not through a representative or proxy.
Means 'by oneself' or 'personally'. Use this when you want to stress that you are doing something in person rather than having someone else do it.
自分で行って確認します。
I'll go and check in person.
Stressing physical presence at a location, as opposed to online or remote participation.
Literally 'actually carrying one's feet', meaning to go to a place in person. Very natural for emphasizing physical presence.
実際に足を運んで店を見てみたい。
I want to see the store in person.
The phrase 'in person' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Translating it word-for-word (e.g., 人の中で) is incorrect. Always choose an expression based on the specific meaning you intend.
人の中で会う
meet in person (incorrect)
I want to thank you in person.
Emphasizes facing someone directly, often used when saying something difficult or confrontational.
面と向かって言えなかった。
I couldn't say it in person (to their face).
Formal term for 'face-to-face', often used in business or official contexts (e.g., interviews, meetings).
対面での面接をお願いします。
I request an in-person interview.
The person themselves must complete the procedure in person.
Means 'directly'. Can be used for actions done personally without intermediaries, but often combined with a verb like 行く (to go).
直接お渡しします。
I will hand it to you in person.
Means 'on-site' or 'locally'. Used when you go to the actual place rather than viewing it remotely.
現地でしか買えない商品です。
It's a product you can only buy in person (at the location).