Translation guide
In Japanese, the English word "somebody" is often not directly translated. Instead, Japanese relies on context, omission, or alternative expressions like "誰か" (dareka) for questions and hypotheticals, or specific references like "ある人" (aru hito) in formal contexts. The choice depends on whether you are asking a question, making a statement, or speaking formally.
Use when asking if anyone is there, or when talking about a hypothetical person.
The most common and natural way to say 'somebody' in questions and hypothetical statements. It can also be used in affirmative sentences to mean 'someone'.
Is somebody there?
誰かがドアをノックした。
Somebody knocked on the door.
Polite version of 誰か, used in formal situations or when showing respect.
どなたかいらっしゃいますか？
Is somebody there? (polite)
Use when stating that an unknown person did something or exists.
Works in both questions and statements. When used with が, it emphasizes the subject.
誰かが私の傘を持って行った。
Somebody took my umbrella.
Used in more formal or written contexts to refer to 'a certain person' or 'somebody' when the identity is unknown or unspecified.
Literary or dramatic way to say 'somebody' (often with a nuance of mystery or suspicion).
何者かが彼を殺した。
Somebody killed him.
Use when you mean 'anybody' or 'somebody or other', often in offers or permissions.
Means 'anybody' or 'whoever'. Often used when the specific person doesn't matter.
誰でもいいから手伝って。
Somebody, anybody, please help.
In Japanese, pronouns are often omitted. If 'somebody' is obvious from context, you don't need to translate it.
If the context makes it clear that an unspecified person is involved, simply drop the subject. This is very natural in Japanese.
（誰かが）ドアを開けた。
Somebody opened the door. (The 'somebody' is implied)
While 誰か is correct, Japanese often omits the subject when it's not important. Using 誰か every time can sound unnatural. Consider whether the context already implies an unspecified person.
さっき電話があったよ。
Somebody called earlier. (Natural omission)
誰か is casual and common in speech. ある人 is more formal and often used in writing or storytelling when referring to a specific but unnamed person. 誰か can be used in both questions and statements, while ある人 is typically only for statements.
誰かが来た。
Somebody came. (casual)
ある人が訪ねてきた。
A certain person came to visit. (formal)
誰かが鞄を忘れていった。
Somebody left their bag.
誰か手伝ってくれる人が必要だ。
I need somebody to help me.
Somebody told me that.