Meaning

Primary

Another Person

Alternatives

Other People, Stranger

Word Type

noun

Explanation

When you have an other person, you really have another person.

他人 has a sense of unfamiliarity or distance, and suggests that the person isn’t well-known, or is different from you or a specific group of people. It doesn't usually mean "another person" in the sense of an additional person, or another person distinct from the one you’re talking about.

Reading

たにん
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. Since has two on'yomi readings, here's a mnemonic to help you remember which one to use:

Another person just stole your taco and your Nintendo (たにん). This complete stranger just walked up and took your taco and your Nintendo console straight out of your hands. Yoink.

Context

Common Word Combinations

  • 他人にバレる

    to be revealed to other people

    他人に分かる

    to be understood by others

    他人に見せる

    to show other people

Context Sentences

他人のあなたに分かりますか?

As a stranger, can you understand?

他人のアドバイスばかりきくな。

Don't only listen to the advice of others.

他人の目が気になって、どうしても外でコスプレができません。

I'm worried about the eyes of others, so there's no way I can cosplay outside.

Kanji Composition