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.
Let's go.
Context makes 'us' clear; no pronoun needed.
They saw us.
Neutral/formal; explicitly states 'us'.
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.
Want to go to a movie? (us)
Let's go home already. (us)
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.
When 'us' is the object of a verb or preposition, e.g., 'Help us,' 'Give it to us.'
If the object is clear from context, it is often omitted. This is especially common with verbs like 助ける (help), 教える (teach), 見せる (show).
English uses 'us' in suggestions like 'Let's go.' Japanese uses verb forms that inherently include the speaker and listener.
Polite volitional form meaning 'let's do ~'. Attach to the verb stem (masu-stem).
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.
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. is very casual and can sound rough or masculine. Choose based on formality and your own gender expression.
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.
We were invited yesterday. (us, not you)
Can be used for exclusive 'us' when clarification is needed. Often combined with 'だけ' (only) or context words.
Only we (us) know.
Colloquial way to refer to 'us' as 'this side/group', often contrasting with the listener's side. Very casual.
We're done already. (us, not you)
教えてください。
Please tell us.
Explicit object form. Used for emphasis or to avoid ambiguity. The particle を marks the direct object.
Indirect object form (to us, for us). The particle に marks the recipient.
Please give that to us.
Plain volitional form, casual equivalent of 〜ましょう. Used among friends.
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.
Our family went on a trip. (us)
Come with us.
一緒に (together) makes 'us' clear without a pronoun.
This is for us.
Explicit possessive; の replaces the noun.