also: しにん
noun
private individual; private citizen
Refers to a person in their private capacity, as opposed to an official or public role. Often used in legal, political, or formal contexts.
彼は公人ではなく、私人として発言した。
He spoke as a private individual, not as a public figure.
私人の権利を守ることは重要だ。
Protecting the rights of private individuals is important.
Compound of 私 (private) and 人 (person). The reading しじん is the standard on'yomi; しにん is a less common variant.