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.
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.
Those people are our guests.
Slightly rough or dismissive way to say 'those guys/people'. Often used among men in casual speech.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Those guys are late again.
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.
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.
Those kids are always so energetic.
Let's ask Tanaka and his group.
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'.
They've already left. (context: those fellows)
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.
Those bastards... I'll get them.
Can be dismissive, implying the group is a bunch of people the speaker looks down on.
Those fellows don't understand anything.
Those people are my coworkers.
Those guys are so noisy.