他人

• Reading: たにん
• Romaji: tanin
• Kanji breakdown: 他 (ta) — other, another; 人 (nin/jin) — person
• Pronunciation: /ta.ni.n/

Meaning

Stranger; unrelated person; others. Someone who is not family or a close acquaintance.

A noun referring to people with no family or close personal connection. Carries a nuance of emotional distance. Used in expressions like 他人事 (tanin goto/hitogoto, someone else's business) and 赤の他人 (aka no tanin, complete stranger). Important in Japanese culture where in-group/out-group distinctions matter.

Examples

1. 他人の目を気にしすぎないほうがいい。 You shouldn't worry too much about what other people think.
2. 彼とは親戚ではなく、赤の他人です。 He and I aren't relatives — we're complete strangers.
3. 他人に優しくすることは自分のためにもなる。 Being kind to others benefits you as well.

Usage Guide

Context: social relationships, daily conversation, psychology

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 他 (ta, other) and 人 (nin, person). A straightforward compound meaning 'other person,' used since classical times to distinguish outsiders from family and associates.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal