Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to 'that person' depends heavily on social context, relationship, and politeness. Direct pronouns are often avoided in favor of names, titles, or omission.
Pointing out or talking about a person who is away from both the speaker and the listener, or not present.
The most common and neutral way to say 'that person' when referring to someone not present or distant. Can be used in most everyday situations.
あの人は誰ですか。
Who is that person?
あの人に聞いてみましょう。
Let's ask that person.
Polite version of あの人. Used when speaking respectfully about someone, such as a customer, superior, or stranger.
あの方はどなたですか。
Who is that person? (polite)
Very casual and often derogatory or familiar way to say 'that person' or 'that guy'. Used among close friends or when speaking negatively about someone.
Can be rude if used in the wrong context. Avoid in formal situations.
あいつはいつも遅刻する。
That guy is always late.
Talking about a person who has already been introduced in the conversation or is known to both speaker and listener.
In Japanese, once a person is known, it's most natural to refer to them by name with an appropriate honorific. This avoids the impersonal feel of pronouns.
田中さんはもう帰りました。
That person (Tanaka) has already gone home.
Japanese often drops the subject when it's obvious who is being talked about. This is more natural than using a pronoun.
もう帰りました。
That person already left. (if context makes it clear)
Literally 'that person' but used when the person is closer to the listener or has been mentioned by the listener. More direct than using a name, but still neutral.
Describing someone in a story, report, or explanation where the person is not present.
Formal or written way to say 'that person', often used in news, reports, or literature. Emphasizes the person as a character or figure.
その人物はまだ特定されていません。
That person has not been identified yet.
Very formal and somewhat impersonal, used in official documents or by authorities. Can sound cold or bureaucratic.
Avoid in casual conversation; it can sound dehumanizing.
その者は容疑者として逮捕された。
That person was arrested as a suspect.
English speakers often rely on 'he', 'she', 'that person', etc., but Japanese prefers names, titles, or omission. Using あの人 repeatedly can sound unnatural or overly insistent.
あの人 refers to someone distant from both speaker and listener, or not present. その人 refers to someone closer to the listener or just mentioned by the listener. Choose based on psychological distance.
Please contact that person again.