Translation guide
A human being, as opposed to a legal entity like a corporation. In Japanese, this is typically expressed with 自然人 (shizenjin) in legal contexts, or simply 人 (hito) or 個人 (kojin) in everyday language.
To refer to a natural person in legal, business, or formal contexts, distinguishing a human being from a juridical person (法人).
To refer to a person in general, everyday conversation, without legal nuance.
The most common word for 'person'. Use this in almost all non-legal situations.
自然人 is strictly a legal term meaning 'natural person' (a human being with legal rights). 個人 simply means 'individual' and can be used in many contexts, including legal ones, but does not inherently contrast with juridical persons. Use 自然人 when you need to explicitly distinguish a human from a corporation in a legal sense.
In everyday English, 'natural person' is rare; we just say 'person'. Similarly, in Japanese, 自然人 is only for legal/technical contexts. Using it in casual conversation would sound odd.
The direct legal term for 'natural person', used in contracts, laws, and formal documents. Contrasts with 法人 (ほうじん, juridical person).
自然人と法人では権利能力に違いがある。
There are differences in legal capacity between natural persons and juridical persons.
Means 'individual' and is often used in contrast to groups or corporations. Common in business and legal contexts, but broader than 自然人.
このサービスは個人のお客様向けです。
This service is for individual customers.
あの人は誰ですか？
Who is that person?
Means 'human being', emphasizing humanity as opposed to animals or machines. Can sound philosophical or biological.
人間は社会的な動物だ。
Humans are social animals.