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.
It's my personal opinion.
Literally 'one person'. Used when counting or emphasizing a single person, often in casual contexts.
Refers to an individual organism or entity in biological or philosophical contexts. Not used for people in everyday speech.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Each individual has their own opinion.
Please protect personal information.
I'll go by myself.
Each individual is important.
The number of individuals of this species is decreasing.
I work as a sole proprietor.
There are lockers for individual use.
Emphasizes 'one individual', often used when contrasting with a larger entity or authority.
I feel responsibility as an individual.
個々のケースで判断します。
We judge on an individual case-by-case basis.
Check each individual part.
Means 'each' or 'respectively'. More casual than 個々, used for people and things.
Please choose according to your individual preferences.
Means 'separate' or 'different'. Emphasizes that things are not together or not the same.
We'll pay individually (separately).
She has a strong individuality.
Education that values individuality.
Means 'uniqueness' or 'originality'. More formal than 個性, often used for ideas, styles, or products.
This design has individuality (uniqueness).
We respect the rights of the individual.