Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to 'those fellows' depends heavily on context, relationship, and politeness. Direct translation is often unnatural; instead, use names, titles, or omit the reference entirely. When a pronoun-like word is needed, choose based on formality and attitude.
The speaker wants to refer to a group of people in a neutral, polite, or formal way, without implying closeness or rudeness.
Neutral and polite way to say 'those people'. Safe for most situations.
あの人たちは誰ですか？
Who are those people?
Let's ask those people for directions.
Polite/honorific version of 'those people'. Use in formal settings or when showing respect.
あの方々はお客様です。
Those people are our guests.
Slightly rough or dismissive way to say 'those guys/people'. Often used among men in casual speech.
あの連中には気をつけろ。
Watch out for those guys.
The speaker is talking about a group of friends, acquaintances, or people in an informal setting, often with a sense of familiarity or mild disdain.
Very common casual word for 'those guys'. Can be friendly or derogatory depending on tone. Use only with close friends or when speaking about others in a rough manner.
あいつら、また遅刻だよ。
Those guys are late again.
あいつらと遊ぶのは楽しい。
Hanging out with those guys is fun.
Similar to あいつら but slightly more derogatory or old-fashioned. Often used in fiction or when expressing strong negative feelings.
やつらを許すな。
Don't forgive those bastards.
Literally 'those children', but can be used affectionately or casually for a group of young people or close friends, especially by women.
あの子たち、いつも元気だね。
Those kids are always so energetic.
Instead of a generic 'those fellows', the speaker uses the group's actual name, title, or a descriptive phrase, which is often more natural in Japanese.
Attach たち (polite/neutral) or ら (casual/rough) to a person's name or title to refer to that person and their group. This is often the most natural way to say 'those fellows' when the group is associated with a known person.
田中さんたちに聞いてみよう。
Let's ask Tanaka and his group.
先生たちが来ました。
The teachers (and their group) have come.
If the group is clear from context, Japanese often omits the subject entirely. This avoids the need for a direct translation of 'those fellows'.
もう帰ったよ。
They've already left. (context: those fellows)
The speaker wants to express contempt, annoyance, or distance towards the group.
As above, but with a clearly negative tone. Very common in casual speech.
あいつらには関わりたくない。
I don't want anything to do with those guys.
Stronger derogatory nuance than あいつら. Often used in anime/manga or when very angry.
やつらめ、覚えてろ。
Those bastards... I'll get them.
Can be dismissive, implying the group is a bunch of people the speaker looks down on.
あの連中は何もわかっていない。
Those fellows don't understand anything.
English 'those fellows' often sounds unnatural if directly translated into Japanese. Consider whether you can use a name, title, or simply omit the subject. Overusing あいつら or やつら can sound rude or childish.
あの人たちは親切ですね。
Those people are kind, aren't they?
あの人たち is neutral and safe for any situation. あいつら is very casual and can be offensive if used to refer to people you don't know well or in formal contexts. Use あの人たち unless you are sure casual language is appropriate.
あの人たちは会社の同僚です。
Those people are my coworkers.
あいつら、うるさいな。
Those guys are so noisy.