When learning a new language, it’s essential to understand how to refer to people. In Japanese, the phrase “that person” can be quite versatile and dependent on various factors like formality, context, and regional variations. In this guide, we will explore how to express “that person” in Japanese, including both formal and informal ways. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “That Person”
1. あの方 (Ano kata) – This is a respectful and polite way to refer to someone, particularly when talking about strangers, superiors, or people you hold in high regard. For example:
あの方は誰ですか？ (Ano kata wa dare desu ka?) – Who is that person?
2. あのかた (Ano kata) – Similar to the former, this expression is also used in formal situations. The difference lies in the pronunciation, which adds a slight sense of honorific nuance to the phrase. For instance:
あのかたは先生ですか？ (Ano kata wa sensei desu ka?) – Is that person a teacher?
3. あの方々 (Ano katagata) – This is the plural form of “that person” in a polite manner. It is used when referring to multiple individuals honorably. For instance:
あの方々はどなたですか？ (Ano katagata wa donata desu ka?) – Who are those people?
Informal Ways to Say “That Person”
1. あの人 (Ano hito) – This is the most common and straightforward way to say “that person” in informal situations. It allows you to refer to individuals with familiarity and is commonly used among friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. For example:
あの人は誰？ (Ano hito wa dare?) – Who is that person?
2. あいつ (Aitsu) – This expression is colloquial and has a slightly derogatory tone. It is used to refer to someone in an informal and casual manner, particularly in friendly banter. However, it’s important to use this term with caution as it can be seen as disrespectful in certain contexts. For instance:
あいつ、だれ？ (Aitsu, dare?) – Who’s that person?
3. あのお方 (Ano okata) – Employed in informal speech, this phrase carries a gentle and polite tone. It’s often used when referring to someone in a respectful yet casual manner. For example:
あのお方のお名前は？ (Ano okata no onamae wa?) – What’s the name of that person?
Regional Variations across Japan
Japanese language also experiences regional variations, leading to different ways of saying “that person” across Japan. Here are a couple of examples:
- あの方 (Ano hō) – Used in the Kantō region, including Tokyo, this phrase is similar to the formal “ano kata” but differs slightly in pronunciation.
- あのじょ (Ano jo) – Predominantly heard in the Kansai region, including Osaka, this expression is a regional variation of “ano hito” and is used in informal contexts.
Remember, regional variations should be used intentionally to match the context and show cultural awareness. It’s advisable to stick to the general forms unless you have a specific reason to use regional variations.
Tips for Using “That Person” in Japanese
Here are some valuable tips to keep in mind when referring to “that person” in Japanese:
- Consider the level of formality required in the given situation. Adhering to appropriate levels of politeness ensures respectful communication.
- Pay attention to context. The relationship with the person you are referring to and the situation will dictate the choice of phrase.
- Remember that pronunciation and intonation play a vital role in expressing the intended meaning. Practice speaking with native speakers to enhance your fluency.
- When in doubt, it’s generally safer to choose a more formal expression, especially when referring to people you do not know well.
Now that you have a better understanding of how to say “that person” in Japanese, you can confidently express yourself while interacting with Japanese speakers. Remember to practice regularly to improve your language skills and deepen your cultural understanding. Happy learning!
