Translation guide
The English pronoun 'us' refers to the speaker and one or more other people. In Japanese, the equivalent is often omitted when clear from context. When expressed, the choice depends on formality, gender, and relationship. Unlike English, Japanese has multiple first-person plural pronouns, and the most natural option is often to use no pronoun at all.
The speaker includes the listener(s) in the group. This is the most common use of 'us' in English.
In Japanese, pronouns are frequently omitted when the context makes the subject/object clear. This is the most natural way to express 'us' in many sentences, especially in casual conversation.
The standard, neutral first-person plural pronoun. Used by both men and women in polite or formal contexts. Can sound stiff in casual speech.
Casual first-person plural used primarily by males. Implies a group including the speaker and others, often friends or peers.
Very casual, masculine first-person plural. Used among close male friends or in rough speech. Can sound arrogant or rude in polite settings.
The speaker refers to themselves and one or more other people, but not the listener. For example, 'They invited us (but not you).'
Context often makes it clear that the listener is not included. Omitting the pronoun is natural when the situation is obvious.
昨日、呼ばれたんだ。
We were invited yesterday. (us, not you)
When 'us' is the object of a verb or preposition, e.g., 'Help us,' 'Give it to us.'
English uses 'us' in suggestions like 'Let's go.' Japanese uses verb forms that inherently include the speaker and listener.
English speakers often overuse 'we/us' when translating into Japanese. In most natural Japanese sentences, the subject/object is omitted. Only use 私たち etc. when necessary for clarity or emphasis.
昨日、映画を見た。
We watched a movie yesterday.
私たち is neutral and polite, suitable for most situations. 僕たち is casual and mainly used by males. 俺たち is very casual and can sound rough or masculine. Choose based on formality and your own gender expression.
In Japanese, it's common to refer to your own group by a name or role, e.g., 家族 (family), チーム (team), or your own name + たち. This can sound more natural than a pronoun in some contexts.
プレゼントをくれた。
They gave us a present.
The verb くれる implies the gift was given to 'us' or someone in the speaker's in-group.
私たちは明日出発します。
We (us) will depart tomorrow.
僕たちも行くよ。
We're going too. (us)
俺たちだけでやろう。
Let's do it just us.
Can be used for exclusive 'us' when clarification is needed. Often combined with 'だけ' (only) or context words.
私たちだけが知っています。
Only we (us) know.
Colloquial way to refer to 'us' as 'this side/group', often contrasting with the listener's side. Very casual.
こっちはもう終わったよ。
We're done already. (us, not you)
Please tell us.
Explicit object form. Used for emphasis or to avoid ambiguity. The particle を marks the direct object.
彼は私たちを見ました。
He saw us.
Indirect object form (to us, for us). The particle に marks the recipient.
それを私たちにください。
Please give that to us.
Plain volitional form, casual equivalent of 〜ましょう. Used among friends.
行こう。
Let's go.
家族で旅行に行った。
Our family went on a trip. (us)
This is for us.
Explicit possessive; の replaces the noun.