誰

• Reading: だれ
• Romaji: dare
• Kanji breakdown: 誰 (dare) — who
• Pronunciation: /da.ɾe/

Meaning

Who. The interrogative pronoun for asking about people.

The basic question word for people. Combines with particles: 誰が (who, subject), 誰の (whose), 誰に (to whom), 誰と (with whom). Extended forms include 誰か (someone), 誰も (everyone/nobody depending on context), 誰でも (anyone). The polite equivalent is どなた (donata).

Examples

1. あの人は誰ですか。 Who is that person?
2. 誰がこの料理を作りましたか。 Who made this dish?
3. 誰と一緒に行きますか。 Who are you going with?

Usage Guide

Context: questions, identification, conversation

Tone: inquisitive

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 誰 is composed of 言 (speech) and 隹 (bird), though the etymological connection is debated. Some scholars link it to the concept of an unidentified voice.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal