Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'other people' depends heavily on context, politeness, and relationship. Direct translations exist, but natural Japanese often uses specific terms for 'others' vs. 'self', or avoids the phrase entirely by using passive voice, giving verbs, or omitting the subject.
Referring to people in general who are not the speaker or the speaker's in-group.
The most common and neutral word for 'other people', often contrasted with oneself or one's family. Can imply strangers or unrelated persons.
他人の意見を尊重する。
Respect other people's opinions.
彼は他人に厳しい。
He is strict with other people.
Simply 'people'. In context, it can mean 'other people', especially when contrasted with oneself. Less formal than 他人.
人のことを気にしすぎる。
I worry too much about other people.
Formal, written term for 'others', often used in academic or psychological contexts.
他者との協力が不可欠だ。
Cooperation with other people is essential.
Distinguishing between insiders (uchi) and outsiders (soto).
Refers to 'other places' or 'other people' outside one's own group, family, or community. Often used in set phrases.
よその人に迷惑をかけてはいけない。
You mustn't cause trouble for other people (outside our group).
Also works for outsiders, especially when emphasizing lack of relation.
Literally 'outsider', used for people not belonging to a specific organization or group. Formal.
Referring to the general public or unspecified others.
Society, the world, or 'other people' in the sense of public opinion. Often used when talking about what others think.
世間の目を気にする。
Worry about what other people think.
Literally 'surroundings', but often means 'people around you' or 'other people' in one's environment.
Abstract concept of 'the other' in contrast to self.
English often uses 'other people' where Japanese would use a passive construction, a giving/receiving verb, or simply omit the subject. For example, 'I was told by other people' is more naturally 人に言われた (I was told by people) rather than 他人に言われた, which can sound stiff.
In casual speech, 人 is often enough to mean 'other people'. 人の話を聞け (Listen to what other people say) is natural, while 他人の話を聞け sounds more formal or emphatic.
他人の幸せも大切だ。
Other people's happiness is important.
When entering other people's homes, take off your shoes.
Entry by other people (outsiders) is prohibited.
I was helped by other people around me.