Translation guide
The English word 'people' can refer to human beings in general, a specific group, or a nation. Japanese uses different words depending on the context, and often the most natural translation is to omit the word entirely when the meaning is clear.
Referring to people as a species or general concept, often in statements about society or human nature.
The most common and neutral word for 'person' or 'people'. It can be used in general statements.
All people make mistakes.
Many people saw that movie.
Explicitly plural 'people', often used in formal or written contexts. Less common in casual speech.
Refers to humanity as a whole, often in scientific or philosophical contexts.
Referring to a particular set of people, such as those in a room, a team, or a category.
Referring to the people of a country or a cultural group.
The people of a nation, often used in political or formal contexts.
In Japanese, 'people' is often left out when it's obvious from context, especially in general statements.
Japanese frequently drops subjects. Instead of saying 'people say...', you can just say the verb phrase.
People often say that, don't they?
English uses 'people' in many set phrases where Japanese uses a different structure. For example, 'people say' is often just 「と言われている」 (it is said). Translating 'people' as 人 every time can sound unnatural.
人 can be singular or plural depending on context. 人々 explicitly means multiple people, but it's more formal and less common in everyday speech. Use 人 for general statements unless you need to emphasize plurality.
人々の生活を守る。
Protect people's livelihoods.
人類の歴史は長い。
The history of humankind is long.
Attach to a descriptor to mean 'those people'. For example, 'young people' is 若い人たち.
Who are those people?
It's popular among young people.
Polite plural for 'people', used when referring to others respectfully.
I'm grateful to the people who came.
Informal, sometimes derogatory term for a group of people. Use with caution.
Those people are always late.
The rights of the Japanese people
Ethnic group or people, emphasizing shared culture and heritage.
Preserve the culture of minority peoples.
Often used in political contexts, like 'the people' in communist or democratic rhetoric.
Government for the people
ここでは英語が通じない。
People don't understand English here.