Translation and Meaning of: 人 - jin

The Japanese word 人[じん] is one of the most fundamental and versatile terms in the language. Its basic meaning refers to "person" or "human being," but its usage goes much further, appearing in everyday expressions, country names, and even philosophical concepts. In this article, we will explore its origin and how it fits into Japanese culture, along with practical tips for those learning the language.

If you have already studied Japanese, you have probably encountered 人[じん] in different contexts. It can be combined with other kanji to form words like 日本人 (nihonjin - Japanese) or 外国人 (gaikokujin - foreigner). Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to uncover not only the meaning but also the cultural and grammatical details that make this word a key piece in the Japanese vocabulary.

Meaning and usage of 人[じん]

The kanji 人, read as じん (jin) in certain combinations, represents the idea of person, individual, or humanity. Unlike the reading ひと (hito), which is more generic, じん usually appears in compound words, especially to indicate nationality or groups of people. For example, アメリカ人 (amerikajin) means "American," while 社会人 (shakaijin) refers to a "member of society" or "professional."

An interesting characteristic is that じん is not limited to humans. In terms like 宇宙人 (uchūjin - alien), it expands its meaning to include any intelligent being. This usage reflects how the Japanese language can be flexible, adapting a basic concept to various contexts, from everyday life to science fiction.

Origin and writing of the kanji 人

The kanji 人 has a history that dates back to ancient China, where its original form represented a human being in profile. Over time, this pictographic representation evolved into the simplified strokes we use today. In Japan, it was incorporated into the writing system and gained multiple readings, including じん (jin), にん (nin), and ひと (hito).

Interestingly, 人 is one of the first kanjis that students learn, precisely because of its simplicity and frequency. It appears in over 1,300 words in the dictionary, according to Kanjipedia, one of the most reliable databases on Japanese characters. Its radical (the part that indicates meaning) is itself, which makes it easier to memorize for beginners.

Tips for memorizing and using 人[じん]

An effective way to remember 人[じん] is to associate it with words that are already part of your vocabulary. For example, if you know that 日本 (Nihon) means "Japan," it's easy to remember that 日本人 (Nihonjin) is "Japanese." This pattern repeats in various nationalities, such as フランス人 (Furansujin - French) or 中国人 (Chūgokujin - Chinese).

Another tip is to pay attention to the context. While じん appears more in compound terms, ひと is used alone or in informal expressions. A common mistake among beginners is saying じん when referring to a specific person, such as in *あのじんは優しい (ano jin wa yasashii). The correct form would be あの人は優しい (ano hito wa yasashii), since じん does not function as a standalone noun in these cases.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 者 (sha) - Person, someone, usually used in formal or legal contexts.
• 男女 (danjo) - Men and women; refers to both sexes.
• 人間 (ningen) - Human being, the condition of being human, emphasizing the nature and essence of humanity.
• 人物 (jinbutsu) - Character or person, focus on individual or notable characteristics.
• 人類 (jinrui) - Humanity refers to the entirety of the human species.

人

Romaji: jin
Kana: じん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: man; person; guys

Meaning in English: man;person;people

Definition: human. A type of living being that has reason and emotions, and that shapes society and culture.

Example Sentences - (人) jin

See below some example sentences:

普通の人生を送りたいです。

Futsū no jinsei o okuritai desu

I want to live an ordinary life.

I want to live a normal life.

• 普通の - adjective meaning "normal"
• 人生 - substantive that means "life"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 送りたい - Verb in the desiderative form that means "want to send"
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite and respectful form of the sentence

本人は自分自身を知ることが大切だ。

Honjin wa jibun jishin o shiru koto ga taisetsu da

It is important for a person to know themselves.

It is important for a person to know themselves.

• 本人 - means "myself" or "the person herself/himself".
• は - topic particle, which indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 自分自身 - means "oneself" or "the person themselves."
• を - direct object particle, which indicates the object of the action.
• 知る - verb that means "to know" or "to be aware".
• こと - noun that indicates an action or a fact.
• が - subject particle, which indicates who performs the action.
• 大切 - Adjective that means "important" or "valuable".
• だ - verb that indicates existence or identity.

機械は人間の手を助けるものです。

Kikai wa ningen no te o tasukeru mono desu

Machines are made to help human hands.

Machines help human hands.

• 機械 - machine
• は - Topic particle
• 人間 - Human
• の - Possessive particle
• 手 - hand
• を - direct object particle
• 助ける - to help
• もの - thing
• です - Verb ser/estar (polite form)

殺人は許されない行為です。

Satsujin wa yurusarenai koui desu

Murder is an unacceptable act.

• 殺人 - murder
• は - Topic particle
• 許されない - not allowed
• 行為 - after
• です - is

気触れる人とは付き合いたくない。

Kizureru hito to wa tsukiaitakunai

I don't want to associate with the people I feel.

• 気触れる人 - person who is easily offended or irritated
• とは - particle that indicates a defining or explanatory relationship
• 付き合いたくない - I don't want to have a relationship

法律は人々を守るために存在します。

Hōritsu wa hitobito o mamoru tame ni sonzai shimasu

The law exists to protect people.

• 法律 - "she" in Japanese
• は - Topic particle
• 人々 - "pessoas" means "people" in Japanese.
• を - direct object particle
• 守る - It means "protect" in Japanese.
• ために - expression that indicates purpose
• 存在します - means "to exist" in Japanese

激励は人を勇気づける力を持っています。

Gekirei wa hito wo yuuki zukeru chikara wo motte imasu

Encouragement has the power to give people courage.

Encouragement has the power to encourage people.

• 激励 - stimulus, incentive
• は - Topic particle
• 人 - person
• を - direct object particle
• 勇気づける - encourage, give courage
• 力 - strength, power
• を - direct object particle
• 持っています - Land, possess

無能な人間はいない。

Munou na ningen wa inai

There is no human being without skills.

There is no incompetent person.

• 無能な - without skill, unable
• 人間 - Human being
• は - Topic particle
• いない - does not exist

犯人は逃げた。

Hannin wa nigeta

The criminal fled.

The guilty one has fled.

• 犯人 - criminal
• は - Topic particle
• 逃げた - fugiu

玄人はその分野のプロフェッショナルです。

Gennin wa sono bun'ya no purofesshonaru desu

The specialist is a professional in the field.

• 玄人 (Kengin) - Specialist, expert, expert
• は (wa) - Topic particle, indicates the subject of the sentence
• その (sono) - That, that, this
• 分野 (bunya) - Field, area, branch
• の (no) - Possessive particle, indicates that "bunya" is possessed by "kengin."
• プロフェッショナル (purofesshonaru) - Professional
• です (desu) - The verb "to be" indicates that "kengin" is a "purofesshonaru" in "bunya".