outsiders; others; bystanders; onlookers; third person
Refers to people who are not directly involved in a situation, often contrasted with oneself or one's group. Common in expressions like はたから見る (looking from the outside) or はたの者 (an outsider).
From the outside, it looks easy.
Outsiders can't understand what the person themselves has gone through.
He never listens to other people's opinions.
Outsiders shouldn't interfere in family matters.
第三者 is a formal, often legal term for an uninvolved third party, whereas 傍 is a casual, everyday word for outsiders looking on.
傍観者 specifically means someone who watches without taking action, while 傍 more broadly refers to anyone outside the situation, acting or not.
本人 refers to the person directly concerned, the opposite of 傍, which refers to outsiders looking on from the sidelines.
Usually written in kana; the kanji forms 傍 and 端 are rare and may be confused with other readings.
Rare kanji form; more commonly read as はし or たん.
Rare kanji form; more commonly read as ぼう or かたわら.
The origin is uncertain, but it may be related to the word 端 (はた) meaning 'edge' or 'side', suggesting people on the periphery.