本人

• Reading: ほんにん
• Romaji: honnin
• Kanji breakdown: 本 (hon/moto) — main, true, this; 人 (nin/jin/hito) — person
• Pronunciation: /hoɴ.niɴ/

Meaning

The person in question; the person himself/herself. Used to identify someone directly.

A noun combining 本 (main/true) and 人 (person). Used when referring to the specific individual concerned, often in contrast to others acting on their behalf. Key patterns: 本人確認 (honnin-kakunin, identity verification), 本人の希望 (honnin no kibō, the person's own wish). Very common in administrative, medical, and legal contexts.

Examples

1. 本人が直接来ないと手続きができません。 The procedure cannot be completed unless the person themselves comes in.
2. その噂は本人も知らなかったらしい。 Apparently even the person in question didn't know about the rumor.
3. 本人確認のために身分証明書を見せてください。 Please show your ID for identity verification.

Usage Guide

Context: administration, identity, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 本 (hon, main/true/this) and 人 (nin, person). The sense is the true or actual person as opposed to a proxy or representative.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal