Translation guide
The person being interviewed. In Japanese, this is usually expressed with specific terms depending on context, or by using passive/humble forms to describe the person's role.
To refer to the person who is answering questions in an interview setting, such as a job interview, media interview, or research interview.
Literally 'interview person'. Commonly used for job interviewees. Can also refer to the interviewer, so context is important.
面接者は緊張していた。
The interviewee was nervous.
More explicitly 'the one being interviewed', using the passive prefix 被. Used in formal or technical contexts.
被面接者の回答を分析した。
We analyzed the interviewee's responses.
Used for research or media interviews, meaning 'interview subject'.
インタビュー対象者は20代の女性だった。
The interviewee was a woman in her twenties.
Specifically 'applicant' for a job. Implies the person is an interviewee in a hiring context.
応募者は面接で良い印象を与えた。
The applicant (interviewee) made a good impression in the interview.
To refer specifically to a person being interviewed for a job.
Means 'job seeker' or 'applicant'. Commonly used in HR contexts to refer to the interviewee.
求職者は自己PRを求められた。
The job seeker (interviewee) was asked to give a self-introduction.
Colloquial term for a student job-hunting. Often used for interviewees in the context of new graduate recruitment.
就活生は面接の練習をしている。
The job-hunting student (interviewee) is practicing for interviews.
To refer to a person being interviewed by a journalist or researcher.
Used in journalism for the person being interviewed or covered.
取材対象者は匿名を希望した。
The interviewee requested anonymity.
Means 'respondent'. Used in surveys or research interviews.
回答者の意見をまとめた。
We summarized the interviewees' opinions.
To refer to the interviewee indirectly by using humble forms, which is common in Japanese business settings.
Instead of a noun, you can describe the interviewee by using humble verbs for their actions, implying they are the one being interviewed. For example, お会いする (to meet, humble) or 申し上げる (to say, humble).
本日お会いした方は、とても優秀でした。
The person I interviewed today was very talented.
The English word 'interviewee' does not have a single, perfect equivalent in Japanese. The best term depends heavily on context. Using 面接者 can be ambiguous because it can also mean 'interviewer'. In many cases, it's more natural to use a specific role term (like 求職者) or rephrase the sentence.
面接者 can refer to either the interviewer or interviewee, while 被面接者 explicitly means the person being interviewed. However, 被面接者 is formal and less common in everyday speech.