Translation guide
The English word "person" is used in many ways, from counting people to describing character. This guide covers the most common and useful Japanese equivalents for English-speaking learners.
person (individual)
counter for people
Irregular for 1 and 2: 一人 (ひとり), 二人 (ふたり)
Referring to a single human individual in a general sense.
The most common and general word for 'person'. Used in almost all contexts.
Who is that person?
He is a good person.
Polite equivalent of 人. Used in formal situations or to show respect.
Formal or written term for 'person', often used in official contexts or compound words.
Referring to people collectively or humanity.
Using the counter for people.
The counter for people. Note irregular readings for 1 and 2: 一人 (ひとり), 二人 (ふたり). From 3 onward, regular: 三人 (さんにん), etc.
Referring to someone's nature or what kind of person they are.
Emphasizing that someone does something personally or is physically present.
Referring to an unspecified or unknown person.
Means 'someone'. Used in questions or statements about an unspecified person.
English often uses 'person' where Japanese uses a more specific term or omits it entirely. For example, 'the person who called' is often just 「電話した人」, not 「電話した者」. Overusing 者 can sound stiff.
人 is the default. 方 is the polite version, used in customer service or formal speech. 者 is formal and often used in written language or official statements. In casual conversation, 人 is almost always appropriate.
She is a kind person.
あの方はどなたですか。
Who is that person? (polite)
Such a person is not here.
Plural 'people'. Used when emphasizing multiple individuals.
Many people gathered.
Can also mean 'people' in general, especially in compound words or set phrases.
You can't judge a person by their appearance. (lit. People are not as they seem.)
Refers to humans as a species, or human nature. Often used in philosophical or general statements.
Humans are social animals.
I'll go alone (by myself).
There are five people.
Polite counter for people, often used in service contexts.
A party of three? (polite)
Means 'personality' or 'character'. Used to describe someone's nature.
She has a cheerful personality.
Refers to someone's character or personal qualities, often with a positive nuance.
I was drawn to his personality.
Means 'the person himself/herself'. Used to emphasize the individual in question.
Please ask the person himself/herself.
Means 'oneself'. Can be used reflexively or to emphasize personal action.
I'll do it myself.
Means 'directly' or 'in person'. Often used when meeting or speaking face-to-face.
I want to meet and talk in person.
誰か来たようです。
It seems someone has come.
Means 'a certain person'. Used when the identity is known but not specified.
It's a story I heard from a certain person.
How many people are coming?
I want to meet him in person.