Translation guide
The English word 'individual' can refer to a single person, a distinct entity, or the quality of being unique. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these meanings, from common words to formal terms.
Referring to one person, often in contrast to a group or organization.
The most common and neutral word for 'individual' as a person. Used in legal, business, and everyday contexts.
個人の意見です。
It's my personal opinion.
個人情報を守ってください。
Please protect personal information.
Literally 'one person'. Used when counting or emphasizing a single person, often in casual contexts.
一人で行きます。
I'll go by myself.
一人ひとりが大切です。
Each individual is important.
Refers to an individual organism or entity in biological or philosophical contexts. Not used for people in everyday speech.
この種の個体数は減少している。
The number of individuals of this species is decreasing.
Emphasizing that something belongs to or is done by a single person, not a collective.
Used as a prefix or in compounds to mean 'personal' or 'private', as opposed to corporate or public.
個人事業主として働いています。
I work as a sole proprietor.
個人用のロッカーがあります。
There are lockers for individual use.
Emphasizes 'one individual', often used when contrasting with a larger entity or authority.
Describing something as distinct, not part of a mass, or having its own identity.
Means 'individual' in the sense of 'each one' or 'separately'. Often used with nouns.
個々のケースで判断します。
We judge on an individual case-by-case basis.
個々の部品をチェックする。
Check each individual part.
Means 'each' or 'respectively'. More casual than 個々, used for people and things.
Means 'separate' or 'different'. Emphasizes that things are not together or not the same.
別々に支払います。
We'll pay individually (separately).
The quality of being distinct or having a unique character.
Refers to 'individuality' or 'personality'. Commonly used when talking about a person's unique traits.
彼女は個性が強い。
She has a strong individuality.
個性を大切にする教育。
Education that values individuality.
Means 'uniqueness' or 'originality'. More formal than 個性, often used for ideas, styles, or products.
個人 (kojin) specifically means an individual human. For animals or objects, use 個体 (kotai) or それぞれ (sorezore) depending on context.
個々 (koko) is more formal and often used in written or business contexts. それぞれ (sorezore) is more conversational and can be used for people and things.
一人ひとりが自分の意見を持っている。
Each individual has their own opinion.
私たちは個人の権利を尊重します。
We respect the rights of the individual.
一個人としての責任を感じる。
I feel responsibility as an individual.
それぞれの好みに合わせて選んでください。
Please choose according to your individual preferences.
このデザインには独自性がある。
This design has individuality (uniqueness).