Translation guide
The English phrase 'no one' refers to the absence of people. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the word 誰も (だれも) used in negative sentences. Unlike English, Japanese does not use a separate word for 'no one'; instead, it combines 'who' with a negative verb. The expression can vary depending on formality and context.
Expressing that there is not a single person, or that nobody does something.
This is the standard way to say 'no one' in Japanese. 誰も means 'anyone' or 'everyone' in negative contexts, and must be paired with a negative verb form. It works for both 'nobody is' and 'nobody does'.
A more emphatic version meaning 'not a single person'. 誰一人 is often used with いない or negative verbs for stronger emphasis.
Not a single person came.
A formal noun meaning 'none' or 'nil', often used in written or official contexts to indicate zero people or things. Not used in casual speech.
Common expressions where 'no one' is the subject of a particular action or state.
Used to say 'there is no one' or 'no one is here/there'. いない is the negative of いる (to exist for animate things).
When 'no one' is the object of a verb, e.g., 'I saw no one'.
Expressing 'no one else' or 'nobody except'.
他に means 'other' or 'else'. Combined with 誰も...ない, it means 'no one else'.
部屋には誰一人いなかった。
There wasn't a single person in the room.
There were no participants at all.
There was no one in the park.
Means 'no one knows'. Often used in phrases like 誰も知らない秘密 (a secret no one knows).
No one knows that story.
I saw no one.
He trusts no one.
No one else came.
Used with a specific person to mean 'no one but...'. しか is a particle meaning 'only' in negative sentences.
No one but him knows.
Everyone came.