Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to 'another person' depends heavily on context, relationship, and politeness. Direct translations like 他の人 (hoka no hito) are common, but often you'll use specific terms like 他人 (tanin) for strangers, or simply omit the subject when clear from context.
Referring to a person other than the speaker or a specific person already mentioned, in a neutral or general sense.
The most common and neutral way to say 'another person' or 'someone else'. Used in everyday conversation.
他の人に聞いてください。
Please ask another person.
He doesn't listen to other people's opinions.
Emphasizes a different person, often when the current person is unsuitable or unavailable.
担当者が不在なので、別の人が対応します。
Since the person in charge is absent, another person will handle it.
Means 'another person' in the sense of a stranger or someone unrelated. Can sound cold if used for acquaintances.
Referring to an unspecified or hypothetical person, often in questions or general statements.
Means 'someone' or 'anyone'. Used when the identity of the person is unknown or irrelevant.
誰かがドアをノックした。
Someone knocked on the door.
誰か助けて！
Somebody help!
Means 'a certain person', often used when you know the person but don't name them, or in storytelling.
Expressing the idea of 'other people' as opposed to oneself, often in philosophical or reflective contexts.
Used in contrasts like 'self vs. others'. Common in sayings and psychological contexts.
自分と他人を比べるな。
Don't compare yourself to others.
Simple 'people' or 'others'. Often used in general advice.
人に迷惑をかけてはいけない。
You mustn't cause trouble for others.
Referring to a person who is not directly involved, such as a third party in a transaction or legal matter.
Formal term for 'third party' or 'another person' in legal, business, or official contexts.
個人情報を第三者に提供することは禁止されています。
Providing personal information to a third party is prohibited.
Can also be used in legal contexts, but 第三者 is more precise.
English often uses 'another person' where Japanese would simply omit the subject or use a more specific term. For example, 'I saw another person' might just be 人がいた (There was a person) if the context is clear.
他人 (tanin) implies a stranger or someone unrelated, often with a nuance of emotional distance. 他の人 (hoka no hito) is neutral and simply means 'another person' or 'someone else'. Use 他の人 for most everyday situations.
A certain person told me that.
Infringe on another person's rights.