Translation guide
The English pronoun 'us' refers to the speaker and one or more other people. In Japanese, the equivalent is often omitted when clear from context. When expressed, the choice depends on formality, gender, and relationship. Unlike English, Japanese has multiple first-person plural pronouns, and the most natural option is often to use no pronoun at all.
The speaker includes the listener(s) in the group. This is the most common use of 'us' in English.
The standard, neutral first-person plural pronoun. Used by both men and women in polite or formal contexts. Can sound stiff in casual speech.
私たちは明日出発します。
We (us) will depart tomorrow.
Casual first-person plural used primarily by males. Implies a group including the speaker and others, often friends or peers.
僕たちも行くよ。
We're going too. (us)
Very casual, masculine first-person plural. Used among close male friends or in rough speech. Can sound arrogant or rude in polite settings.
俺たちだけでやろう。
Let's do it just us.
The speaker refers to themselves and one or more other people, but not the listener. For example, 'They invited us (but not you).'
Context often makes it clear that the listener is not included. Omitting the pronoun is natural when the situation is obvious.
昨日、呼ばれたんだ。
We were invited yesterday. (us, not you)
Can be used for exclusive 'us' when clarification is needed. Often combined with 'だけ' (only) or context words.
私たちだけが知っています。
Only we (us) know.
Colloquial way to refer to 'us' as 'this side/group', often contrasting with the listener's side. Very casual.
When 'us' is the object of a verb or preposition, e.g., 'Help us,' 'Give it to us.'
If the object is clear from context, it is often omitted. This is especially common with verbs like 助ける (help), 教える (teach), 見せる (show).
Explicit object form. Used for emphasis or to avoid ambiguity. The particle を marks the direct object.
彼は私たちを見ました。
He saw us.
Indirect object form (to us, for us). The particle に marks the recipient.
それを私たちにください。
Please give that to us.
English uses 'us' in suggestions like 'Let's go.' Japanese uses verb forms that inherently include the speaker and listener.
English speakers often overuse 'we/us' when translating into Japanese. In most natural Japanese sentences, the subject/object is omitted. Only use 私たち etc. when necessary for clarity or emphasis.
昨日、映画を見た。
We watched a movie yesterday.
私たち is neutral and polite, suitable for most situations. 僕たち is casual and mainly used by males. 俺たち is very casual and can sound rough or masculine. Choose based on formality and your own gender expression.
In Japanese, it's common to refer to your own group by a name or role, e.g., 家族 (family), チーム (team), or your own name + たち. This can sound more natural than a pronoun in some contexts.
家族で旅行に行った。
Our family went on a trip. (us)
プレゼントをくれた。
They gave us a present.
The verb くれる implies the gift was given to 'us' or someone in the speaker's in-group.
こっちはもう終わったよ。
We're done already. (us, not you)