Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'stranger' is expressed through various words and phrases that depend on context, such as whether the person is unknown, unfamiliar, or an outsider. The most common and neutral term is 知らない人 (shiranai hito).
Referring to someone you have never met or do not know at all.
The most common and neutral way to say 'stranger' as an unknown person. Literally 'a person one does not know'.
知らない人に道を聞かれた。
A stranger asked me for directions.
Teach children not to go with strangers.
Literally 'other person', often used to emphasize that someone is not family or a close acquaintance. Can sound a bit distant or impersonal.
他人に個人情報を教えてはいけない。
Don't give personal information to strangers.
A slightly more literary or formal way to say 'unknown person'. 見知らぬ is a classical negative form of 見知る (to know by sight).
見知らぬ人から手紙が届いた。
I received a letter from a stranger.
Similar to 知らない人 but using the classical negative ぬ instead of ない. Sounds old-fashioned or literary.
知らぬ人に声をかけられた。
I was spoken to by a stranger.
Referring to someone who is not part of a particular group, community, or family.
Refers to an outsider or someone from another place, often with a nuance of not belonging. Can be used for strangers in a community.
村ではよそ者はすぐにわかる。
In the village, strangers are easily spotted.
Literally 'outsider', often used in formal contexts like companies or organizations to refer to someone not belonging to the group.
Emphatic expression meaning 'complete stranger' or 'total outsider', often used to stress no relation whatsoever.
Expressing that someone is not familiar with a place, subject, or experience.
Used to say one is unfamiliar with a place or field. Often used in the phrase 土地に不案内だ (to be a stranger to the area).
この辺りには不案内なので、道を教えてください。
I'm a stranger around here, so please tell me the way.
Means 'to be unfamiliar with' or 'ignorant of' a subject. Often used for topics like politics, technology, etc.
私は政治に疎い。
I'm a stranger to politics.
English 'stranger' can be a noun, but Japanese often uses phrases like 知らない人 (unknown person) rather than a single noun. Using ストレンジャー (sutorenjā) is not natural outside of specific contexts like movie titles.
ストレンジャー
stranger (loanword, not commonly used)
他人 (tanin) emphasizes 'other person' and can imply a lack of relationship or emotional distance. 知らない人 (shiranai hito) simply means 'person one doesn't know' and is more neutral. Use 知らない人 for most everyday situations.
Entry by strangers (unauthorized persons) is prohibited.
彼は私にとって赤の他人だ。
He's a complete stranger to me.