Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'third person' is expressed through specific pronouns, but they are used far less frequently than in English. Often, names, titles, or contextual omission are preferred.
Expressing 'he', 'she', or 'they' when the person's identity is known or being introduced.
Standard pronoun for 'he' or 'him'. Can also mean 'boyfriend' in context. Used in both spoken and written Japanese, but less frequently than English 'he'.
彼は学生です。
He is a student.
Standard pronoun for 'she' or 'her'. Can also mean 'girlfriend'. Common in modern Japanese.
彼女は医者です。
She is a doctor.
In natural Japanese, it is often more common to refer to someone by their name with an appropriate title (e.g., さん, 先生) rather than using a pronoun. This is polite and clear.
田中さんは来ますか？
Will he/she (Tanaka) come?
When the person is clear from context, Japanese often omits the subject entirely. This is the most natural way to avoid overusing pronouns.
もう帰りました。
He/She already went home.
Expressing 'a third person' in the sense of an unknown or generic individual.
Formal term for 'third party' or 'third person', often used in legal, business, or objective contexts.
第三者に情報を渡さないでください。
Please do not give information to a third party.
Means 'another person', 'stranger', or 'outsider'. Used when emphasizing that the person is not oneself or not part of one's group.
Generic word for 'person'. In context, it can mean 'someone else' or 'other people'.
人が見ているよ。
Someone is watching.
Referring to the grammatical category of third person in language study.
The linguistic term for 'third person'. Used in grammar discussions.
英語の三人称単数には 's' が付きます。
In English, third person singular takes an 's'.
English speakers often overuse 彼 (kare) and 彼女 (kanojo) when translating 'he' and 'she'. In natural Japanese, these pronouns are used much less frequently. If the person's identity is known, use their name with a title. If it's clear from context, omit the subject entirely.
彼 (kare) can mean 'he' or 'boyfriend'. 彼氏 (kareshi) specifically means 'boyfriend'. Similarly, 彼女 (kanojo) can mean 'she' or 'girlfriend'. Context usually clarifies the meaning, but be aware of the ambiguity.
Respect other people's opinions.