Translation and Meaning of: 他人 - adabito

Have you ever come across the word 他人 (あだびと) and felt curious about what it really means? This Japanese expression carries nuances that go beyond the simple translation of "another person" or "stranger." In this article, we will explore the fascinating etymology behind this term, its use in everyday Japanese, and even tips for memorizing it effectively. If you are studying Japanese, understanding words like 他人 is essential to mastering everyday conversations and avoiding cultural misunderstandings.

In addition to uncovering the meaning and origin of 他人, let's dive into its pictogram and discover how the kanjis that make it up tell their own story. Here at Suki Nihongo, you will also find practical examples of sentences to include in your Anki or other spaced repetition systems. Ready to find out why the Japanese use this word so frequently?

The Origin and Etymology of 他人

The word 他人 is formed by two kanji: 他 (other, different) and 人 (person). Together, they literally mean "another person." But the story gets more interesting when we analyze the reading あだびと (adabito), which has roots in archaic Japanese. The term あだ (ada) used to carry the connotation of something fleeting, unstable, or even hostile, which helps to understand why 他人 can convey a certain emotional distance.

Interestingly, while the writing in kanji is modern, the pronunciation あだびと preserves an echo of Japan's linguistic past. This duality between writing and reading is common in the language, but in the case of 他人, it reveals how the Japanese traditionally viewed those who did not belong to their close circle. Can you see how the Japanese language embeds layers of meaning in a single word?

Everyday Usage and Cultural Connotations

In contemporary Japan, 他人 is used to refer to people with whom one has no relationship - whether family, friendship, or work. But it goes beyond that: it carries a nuance of indifference or even distrust. For example, saying 他人のことに口を出すな (don't meddle in other people's affairs) reflects a Japanese cultural value of respecting personal boundaries. Have you noticed how certain expressions reveal a lot about a society?

One fascinating aspect is how 他人 appears in popular proverbs. The saying 他人の飯は白い (the rice of others always seems whiter) illustrates the human tendency to think that other people's lives are better. This popular wisdom shows how the word is rooted in the Japanese way of viewing social relationships. Isn't it amazing how a simple expression can open windows to understanding an entire culture?

Tips for Memorization and Curiosities

To memorize 他人, an effective technique is to associate the kanjis with mental images. Visualize 他 as a "detour" sign (indicating something different) combined with 人, the silhouette of a person walking. Together, they form the idea of "someone who takes another path" - literally a stranger. How about trying to create your own associations for difficult words?

On Japanese internet, 他人 frequently appears in discussions about privacy and superficial relationships in the digital age. Research shows that urban youth increasingly use the word to describe neighbors or colleagues whose names they barely know - a reflection of modern life. This evolution in usage demonstrates how vocabulary adapts to social changes. Have you ever thought about how technology is transforming our concept of "stranger"?

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 他者 (tasha) - other, another person
• 異人 (ijin) - estranho, forasteiro
• 人外 (hingai) - non-human, supernatural creature
• 他の人 (hoka no hito) - another person, someone else
• 人目外れ (hitomehazure) - totally different, out of the ordinary
• 他人物 (tanimono) - another person, another prominent figure
• 他人顔 (tanin gao) - appearance of another person, face of another person
• 他人種 (taninshu) - another race, different race
• 他人視点 (tanin shiten) - perspective of another person

他人

Romaji: adabito
Kana: あだびと
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3, jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: another person; unrelated person; strange; unknown

Meaning in English: another person;unrelated person;outsider;stranger

Definition: Another is a word that refers to people or other beings besides you.

Example Sentences - (他人) adabito

See below some example sentences:

私たちは時に他人に頼る必要があります。

Watashitachi wa toki ni tanin ni tayoru hitsuyō ga arimasu

Sometimes

Sometimes we need to trust others.

• 私たちは - We
• 時に - Sometimes
• 他人に - In other people
• 頼る - Trust
• 必要があります - Is required

他人を尊重することが大切です。

Tajin wo sonchou suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to respect others.

• 他人 - means "other people"
• を - Particle that indicates the object of the action
• 尊重する - means "respect"
• こと - abstract noun that indicates an action or event
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 大切 - means "important"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form