この人
kono hito
In Japanese, "this person" is expressed as この人 (kono hito).
この人 is used to refer to a specific person who is near the speaker. It is a common and suitable expression for casual situations.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of kono (this) and hito (person).
Which one should you use?
While この人 is a neutral way to say "this person", この方 is the polite version used when you want to show respect to the subject. For even higher levels of formality and respect, one can use こちらの方.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
この人 is suitable for casual situations, but it can sound blunt or even slightly rude if used to refer to a superior or someone you should show respect to. For more formal contexts, use この方 and for the highest level of respect, use こちらの方. In extremely informal or colloquial settings, the slang term こいつ can be used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The demonstrative kono must always be followed by a noun. It cannot stand alone like the word kore.
How do you pronounce it?
kono hito
Did you know?
- The word こちら in the highly formal こちらの方 literally means 'this direction', using a spatial metaphor to avoid pointing directly at a person.
- In Japanese, pointing directly at someone while saying この人 is often considered rude. People instead use a subtle open-hand gesture or a nod toward the person to be more polite.
- The slang term こいつ is derived from この and やつ, where やつ originally referred to a 'thing' or 'fellow', often implying the person is beneath the speaker.
Examples in context
- この人知ってる？Have you ever heard of this person?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has heard of この人.Tatoeba #11340618 by small_snow, translation #6818595 by Eccles17
- この人いつも犯人役だな。This person always plays the role of a criminal.This sentence describes how この人 always plays a certain role.Tatoeba #10990189 by small_snow, translation #13706636 by terrywallwork
- この人、なんでも野球にたとえるな。This person compares everything to baseball.This sentence illustrates how この人 compares everything to baseball.Tatoeba #10996712 by small_snow, translation #11356168 by Laineychan
- この方は私の上司です。This person is my boss.
- こちらの方は弊社の代表者です。This person is our company's representative.
- この人は私の弟です。This person is my younger brother.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are looking at a photo of a mutual friend.
- 美咲 Misakiこの人は誰ですか？Kono hito wa dare desu ka?Who is this person?
- 健太 Kenta僕の大学の友達だよ。Boku no daigaku no tomodachi dayo.He is my friend from college.
- 美咲 Misakiこの人、とても優しそうですね。Kono hito, totemo yasashisou desu ne.This person looks very kind.
- 健太 Kentaうん、本当にいい奴なんだ。Un, hontou ni ii yatsu nanda.Yeah, he's a really great guy.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
