个人

• Pinyin: gè rén
• Hanzi breakdown: 个 = simplified form of 個 (bamboo + 固); 人 = pictograph of a standing person

Meaning

Individual; personal; oneself. Refers to a single person or to something private and personal.

Can function as a noun meaning 'individual' or as an adjective meaning 'personal/private.' Often used in formal or semi-formal contexts to distinguish personal matters from collective or public ones, e.g., 个人意见 (personal opinion), 个人信息 (personal information).

Examples

1. 这是我个人的看法，不代表公司。 This is my personal opinion and does not represent the company.
2. 每个人都有自己的个人空间。 Everyone has their own personal space.
3. 请不要把个人的东西放在公共桌子上。 Please don't put personal belongings on the shared desk.

Usage Guide

Context: work, everyday, formal

Tone: objective

Do Say

• 我个人觉得这个方案不错。(Personally, I think this plan is pretty good.)
• 请保护好个人信息。(Please protect your personal information.)

Don't Say

• 我的个人他很高。(Don't use 个人 to describe a specific other person — it means 'individual/personal,' not 'that person.' Say 那个人很高.)

Origin & History

Compound of 个 (individual, measure word) and 人 (person). The combination emphasises a single, distinct person as opposed to a group.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal