Translation guide
In English, 'the said person' is a formal, legalistic way to refer back to someone already mentioned. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various structures depending on context, formality, and the relationship between speaker and referent. Direct translation is rarely natural; instead, Japanese uses pronouns, demonstratives, names, titles, or simply omits the subject.
The speaker wants to refer to a specific person already introduced, often in legal, business, or formal writing.
Literally 'the same person', used in formal writing and legal documents to refer to the aforementioned individual. Common in contracts and official statements.
同人は本契約に同意したものとみなす。
The said person shall be deemed to have agreed to this contract.
Means 'the person in question' or 'the said person'. Used in formal contexts, but slightly less stiff than 同人. Can also mean 'the person concerned'.
当人に確認したところ、そのような事実はないとのことだった。
Upon confirming with the said person, it was stated that there was no such fact.
Means 'the person himself/herself' or 'the said person'. Emphasizes that it is the actual individual, not a representative. Common in both formal and everyday contexts.
本人が直接お詫びに伺います。
The said person will come in person to apologize.
The speaker wants to refer to someone already mentioned without sounding overly formal or legalistic.
Simply 'that person'. The most straightforward way to refer back to someone previously mentioned. Natural in speech and writing.
昨日会った人だけど、その人が今日も来た。
The person I met yesterday—the said person came again today.
Polite version of その人. Used when showing respect to the referent.
'This person'. Used when the referent is psychologically or physically close, or when introducing someone in a narrative.
In Japanese, it is often more natural to repeat the person's name or title rather than use a pronoun like 'he' or 'she'. This is the default strategy for referring back to someone.
Simply use the person's name with an appropriate honorific. This is the most common and natural way to refer back to someone in Japanese, avoiding the awkwardness of pronouns.
田中さんが来ました。田中さんは疲れているようです。
Mr. Tanaka came. The said person looks tired.
部長がそうおっしゃいました。部長の指示に従ってください。
The department head said so. Please follow the said person's instructions.
When the referent is clear from context, Japanese often drops the subject. This is the most natural strategy in many cases.
If the person has already been mentioned and is the topic, subsequent sentences often omit the subject. This is a key feature of natural Japanese.
山田さんは昨日来ました。とても元気でした。
Mr. Yamada came yesterday. The said person was very energetic.
In contracts or legal documents, 'the said person' may refer to a party defined earlier.
In contracts, parties are often labeled 甲 (Party A), 乙 (Party B), etc. Once defined, they are referred to by these labels.
甲は乙に対し、本契約に基づき金員を支払うものとする。
The said person (Party A) shall pay the amount to Party B based on this agreement.
Literally 'the aforementioned person'. Very formal and used in legal or official documents.
前記の者は、速やかに退去すること。
The said person shall vacate promptly.
The English phrase 'the said person' is highly formal and legalistic. In most Japanese contexts, directly translating it as 同人 or 当人 will sound unnatural or overly stiff. Use these only in appropriate formal writing. In everyday language, use その人, repeat the name, or omit the subject.
同人 is the most formal and is typical in legal documents. 当人 is also formal but can be used in business contexts. 本人 emphasizes 'the person themselves' and is common in both formal and casual settings when stressing direct involvement.
先日お会いした方ですが、その方からお電話がありました。
The person I met the other day—the said person called.
This person is the said criminal.