Translation guide
The English word 'nobody' means 'no person'. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through negative verbs combined with words for 'person', or through specific negative pronouns. The most common and natural way is to use 誰も (dare mo) with a negative verb.
Nobody came.
There is nobody here.
Expressing that there is no person who does or is something, or that no person exists in a context.
This is the most common and natural way to say 'nobody' in Japanese. 誰も (dare mo) means 'anyone' or 'everyone' in positive contexts, but with a negative verb it means 'nobody'. The verb must be in the negative form.
誰一人 (dare hitori) is a more emphatic way to say 'nobody', literally 'not even one person'. It is used with a negative verb and adds emphasis, similar to 'not a single person'.
Not a single person could answer the question.
Nobody was absent. (Not a single person was absent.)
何者も (nanimono mo) is a formal and literary expression meaning 'nobody' or 'no one'. It is used with a negative verb and often appears in written language or formal speech.
Nobody is permitted to enter this area.
Referring to a person of no importance or significance.
Literally 'a nameless person', this is a natural way to describe someone who is not famous or important.
He went from a nobody to a big star.
This phrase means 'a person of no account' or 'a trivial person'. It is a bit more descriptive and can be used in various contexts.
凡人 (bonjin) means 'ordinary person' or 'mediocre person'. It can be used to imply someone is a nobody in contrast to someone exceptional.
In Japanese, 誰も (dare mo) alone does not mean 'nobody'. It must be paired with a negative verb. Using 誰も with a positive verb means 'everyone' or 'anyone' depending on context. For example, 誰もが知っている (dare mo ga shitte iru) means 'everyone knows'.
誰も (dare mo) is the standard way to say 'nobody'. 誰一人 (dare hitori) is more emphatic, meaning 'not a single person'. Use 誰一人 when you want to stress the complete absence of people.
Nobody raised their hand.
He was thought to be a nobody.
彼はただの凡人だ。
He's just a nobody.
Not a single person raised their hand.