Translation guide
The English word 'nobody' means 'no person'. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through negative verbs combined with words for 'person', or through specific negative pronouns. The most common and natural way is to use 誰も (dare mo) with a negative verb.
誰も来なかった。
Nobody came.
ここには誰もいない。
There is nobody here.
Expressing that there is no person who does or is something, or that no person exists in a context.
This is the most common and natural way to say 'nobody' in Japanese. 誰も (dare mo) means 'anyone' or 'everyone' in positive contexts, but with a negative verb it means 'nobody'. The verb must be in the negative form.
誰も来なかった。
Nobody came.
誰もそれを知らない。
Nobody knows that.
There was nobody in the room.
誰一人 (dare hitori) is a more emphatic way to say 'nobody', literally 'not even one person'. It is used with a negative verb and adds emphasis, similar to 'not a single person'.
誰一人としてその質問に答えられなかった。
Not a single person could answer the question.
誰一人欠席しなかった。
Nobody was absent. (Not a single person was absent.)
何者も (nanimono mo) is a formal and literary expression meaning 'nobody' or 'no one'. It is used with a negative verb and often appears in written language or formal speech.
何者もこの領域に立ち入ることは許されない。
Nobody is permitted to enter this area.
Referring to a person of no importance or significance.
Literally 'a nameless person', this is a natural way to describe someone who is not famous or important.
彼は無名の人から大スターになった。
He went from a nobody to a big star.
This phrase means 'a person of no account' or 'a trivial person'. It is a bit more descriptive and can be used in various contexts.
彼は取るに足らない人だと思われていた。
He was thought to be a nobody.
凡人 (bonjin) means 'ordinary person' or 'mediocre person'. It can be used to imply someone is a nobody in contrast to someone exceptional.
In Japanese, 誰も (dare mo) alone does not mean 'nobody'. It must be paired with a negative verb. Using 誰も with a positive verb means 'everyone' or 'anyone' depending on context. For example, 誰もが知っている (dare mo ga shitte iru) means 'everyone knows'.
誰も (dare mo) is the standard way to say 'nobody'. 誰一人 (dare hitori) is more emphatic, meaning 'not a single person'. Use 誰一人 when you want to stress the complete absence of people.
誰も手を挙げなかった。
Nobody raised their hand.
誰一人手を挙げなかった。
Not a single person raised their hand.
彼はただの凡人だ。
He's just a nobody.