Translation guide
This English phrase refers to a specific person already mentioned or understood from context. In Japanese, it is often expressed with the noun 本人 (honnin) or the demonstrative 当人 (tounin). The choice depends on formality and whether the person is the subject of discussion or directly involved.
To refer to the person who is the subject of a conversation, report, or situation, especially when clarifying that it is that person and not someone else.
The most common and neutral way to say 'the person in question' or 'the person himself/herself'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
本人に確認してください。
Please confirm with the person in question.
本人は何も知らなかった。
The person in question didn't know anything.
Similar to 本人, but slightly more formal and often used in legal or official contexts. It emphasizes the person directly involved.
当人の同意が必要です。
The consent of the person in question is required.
Polite form of 本人, used when speaking respectfully about the person in question, such as a customer or superior.
ご本人様からのお電話ですか。
Is this a call from the person in question?
To emphasize that the action was done by the person directly, not by someone else on their behalf.
Used to stress that the person did something personally. Often paired with が or 自身.
本人が直接話したいそうです。
It seems the person in question wants to speak directly.
本人自身がそう言った。
The person in question said so himself/herself.
A more formal and emphatic version, used in writing or official statements.
当人自身がその事実を認めた。
The person in question himself/herself admitted the fact.
本人 is the everyday word for 'the person in question' and can be used in most situations. 当人 is more formal and often appears in legal, business, or written contexts. In casual speech, 本人 is preferred.
You can attach 本人 after a name to clarify that it is that specific person, e.g., 田中本人 (Tanaka himself/herself). This is common when there might be confusion about who is being referred to.