If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for
"Someone", you've come to the right place!
The Japanese Kanji for
"Someone"
is "者".
This kanji has 2 readings:
Its kunyomi reading is "Mono".
Its onyomi reading is "Sha".
kunyomi readings are based on the pronunciation of native Japanese words, and onyomi readings are based on the Chinese pronunciation of the character.
If you visually breakdown this kanji, you can see is made up of 2 parts:
The kanji "日" means "Day" and "Sun"
and can be read as "Jitsu", "Nichi", "Hi" and "Ka". And The radical "耂" means "Old"
.
Now, let's make sure you understand this kanji the other way around too.
What does the kanji "者" mean in japanese?
"者" means
"Someone"
.
Japanese School Students learn this kanji in Third Grade, while foreigners may learn this kanji in preparation for the JLPT N4 exam.
Here are some words that use this kanji:
患者: "Patient". The Japanese noun '患者 (かんじゃ)' refers to a 'patient', specifically someone who is receiving medical treatment or care. This term is commonly used in medical contexts, such as hospitals, clinics, or when discussing health-related matters. For example: The patient is resting「患者は休んでいます」(かんじゃはやすんでいます). The doctor is examining the patient「医者は患者を診察しています」(いしゃはかんじゃをしんさつしています). It is important to note that '患者' is a neutral term and does not carry any specific connotation beyond its medical meaning. お医者さん: "Doctor". The Japanese noun 'お医者さん (おいしゃさん)' means 'doctor'. It is a polite and respectful term used to refer to a medical doctor or physician. The prefix 'お' adds politeness, and 'さん' is an honorific suffix, making the term more formal and respectful. This term is commonly used in everyday conversation when referring to doctors. For example: I went to the doctor「お医者さんに行きました」(おいしゃさんにいきました). The doctor is kind「お医者さんは優しいです」(おいしゃさんはやさしいです). It is important to note that 'お医者さん' is more commonly used in spoken language, while '医者 (いしゃ)' is a more neutral term that can be used in both spoken and written contexts. 歯医者: "Dentist". The Japanese noun '歯医者 (はいしゃ)' means 'dentist'. It refers to a medical professional who specializes in the care and treatment of teeth and oral health. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation when discussing dental appointments or issues. For example: I went to the dentist「歯医者に行きました」(はいしゃにいきました). The dentist is kind「その歯医者は優しいです」(そのはいしゃはやさしいです). It is important to note that '歯医者' is often used interchangeably with '歯科医 (しかい)', though '歯医者' is more casual and commonly used in spoken language. 若者: "Youth". The Japanese noun '若者 (わかもの)' refers to 'young people' or 'youth'. It is commonly used to describe individuals in their late teens to early thirties, emphasizing their youthful energy and inexperience. This term is often used in discussions about societal trends, employment, or generational differences. For example: The youth are the future of society「若者は社会の未来です」(わかものはしゃかいのみらいです). Many young people are looking for jobs「多くの若者が仕事を探しています」(おおくのわかものがしごとをさがしています). The word carries a neutral tone and is widely applicable in both formal and informal contexts. 医者: "Doctor". The Japanese noun '医者 (いしゃ)' means 'doctor'. It refers to a medical professional who diagnoses and treats illnesses. This term is commonly used in everyday conversation and is neutral in tone. For example: I went to the doctor「医者に行きました」(いしゃにいきました). The doctor is kind「その医者は優しいです」(そのいしゃはやさしいです). Note that '医者' is often used interchangeably with '医師 (いし)', though '医師' is more formal and typically used in professional or legal contexts. 記者: "Reporter". The Japanese noun '記者 (きしゃ)' refers to a 'reporter' or 'journalist', someone who gathers and reports news. This term is commonly used in the context of news media, such as newspapers, television, and online platforms. For example: The reporter asked many questions「記者はたくさんの質問をした」(きしゃはたくさんのしつもんをした). She works as a reporter for a newspaper「彼女は新聞の記者として働いている」(かのじょはしんぶんのきしゃとしてはたらいている). The word is neutral and can refer to reporters in any field, including politics, sports, or entertainment. 読者: "Reader". The Japanese noun '読者 (どくしゃ)' means 'reader'. It refers to someone who reads, particularly in the context of books, articles, or other written materials. This word is commonly used in discussions about literature, media, or audience engagement. For example: The author values their readers「その作家は読者を大切にしている」(そのさっかはどくしゃをたいせつにしている). This magazine has many readers「この雑誌は多くの読者がいる」(このざっしはおおくのどくしゃがいる). The term can also be used in a broader sense to describe someone who reads regularly, such as '彼は熱心な読者だ (かれはねっしんなどくしゃだ)' (He is an avid reader). 両者: "Both". The Japanese noun '両者 (りょうしゃ)' means 'both' and refers to two parties, individuals, or groups being considered together. It is often used in formal or written contexts to emphasize the inclusion of both sides in a discussion, comparison, or situation. For example: Both parties agreed「両者は同意した」(りょうしゃはどういした). Both candidates are qualified「両者は資格がある」(りょうしゃはしかくがある). The term is neutral and can be applied to people, organizations, or abstract entities. 消費者: "Consumer". The Japanese noun '消費者 (しょうひしゃ)' means 'consumer'. This term refers to an individual or entity that purchases goods or services for personal use rather than for resale or commercial purposes. It is commonly used in economic, business, and marketing contexts. For example: Consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious「消費者は環境意識が高まっている」(しょうひしゃはかんきょういしきがたかまっている). The company focuses on consumer needs「その会社は消費者のニーズに焦点を当てている」(そのかいしゃはしょうひしゃのニーズにしょうてんをあてている). The word is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings. 科学者: "Scientist". The Japanese noun '科学者 (かがくしゃ)' means 'scientist'. It refers to a person who is engaged in and has expert knowledge of a science, such as physics, chemistry, biology, or any other field of scientific study. This term is commonly used in academic, professional, and everyday contexts. For example: He is a famous scientist「彼は有名な科学者です」(かれはゆうめいなかがくしゃです). Many scientists are researching climate change「多くの科学者が気候変動を研究しています」(おおくのかがくしゃがきこうへんどうをけんきゅうしています). The word is neutral and can refer to scientists of any gender or specialization. 筆者: "Author". The Japanese noun '筆者 (ひっしゃ)' refers to the 'author' or 'writer' of a written work, such as a book, article, or essay. It is a formal term often used in academic or literary contexts to denote the person who has written a particular text. For example: The author of this book is famous「この本の筆者は有名です」(このほんのひっしゃはゆうめいです). The author expressed their opinion clearly「筆者は自分の意見をはっきりと述べた」(ひっしゃはじぶんのいけんをはっきりのべた). This term is typically used in third-person references and is not used to refer to oneself as the author. 後者: "Latter". The Japanese noun '後者 (こうしゃ)' means 'the latter'. It is used to refer to the second of two things or options that have been mentioned. This word is often used in formal or written contexts to compare or contrast two items. For example: Between tea and coffee, I prefer the latter「紅茶とコーヒーのうち、後者が好きです」(こうちゃとコーヒーのうち、こうしゃがすきです). When discussing two options, the latter is usually the second one mentioned. Another example: Between studying and working, the latter is more important to me now「勉強と仕事のうち、後者の方が今は重要です」(べんきょうとしごとのうち、こうしゃのほうがいまはじゅうようです). 他者: "Others". The Japanese noun '他者 (たしゃ)' means 'others' or 'other people'. It refers to individuals who are distinct from oneself, often emphasizing their separateness or different perspectives. This term is commonly used in philosophical, psychological, and social contexts to discuss relationships, empathy, or the distinction between self and others. For example: understanding others is important「他者を理解することは大切です」(たしゃをりかいすることはたいせつです). Respecting others' opinions is essential「他者の意見を尊重することが必要です」(たしゃのいけんをそんちょうすることがひつようです). The word carries a nuanced sense of recognizing the individuality and autonomy of others. 学者: "Scholar". The Japanese noun '学者 (がくしゃ)' refers to a person who is highly educated and specializes in a particular field of study, such as a scholar or academic. It is commonly used to describe individuals who conduct research or contribute to knowledge in areas like science, literature, or history. Example sentences: He is a famous scholar「彼は有名な学者です」(かれはゆうめいながくしゃです). The scholar published a new book「その学者は新しい本を出版しました」(そのがくしゃはあたらしいほんをしゅっぱんしました). Note that '学者' emphasizes expertise and academic contribution, distinguishing it from more general terms like '学生 (がくせい)' (student). 作者: "Author". The Japanese noun '作者 (さくしゃ)' refers to the creator or author of a work, such as a book, painting, or other artistic creation. It is commonly used to describe the person responsible for the creation of a piece of art, literature, or any creative work. For example: the author of this book is famous「この本の作者は有名です」(このほんのさくしゃはゆうめいです). Who is the author of this painting?「この絵の作者は誰ですか? 」(このえのさくしゃはだれですか?). The term emphasizes the role of the creator in bringing a work into existence. 著者: "Author". The Japanese noun '著者 (ちょしゃ)' refers to the 'author' of a written work, such as a book, article, or essay. It specifically denotes the person who has written or created the content. This term is commonly used in formal contexts, such as in bibliographies, academic papers, or book credits. For example: The author of this book is famous「この本の著者は有名です」(このほんのちょしゃはゆうめいです). I met the author of the novel「小説の著者に会いました」(しょうせつのちょしゃにあいました). Note that '著者' is distinct from '作家 (さっか)', which refers to a writer or novelist in a broader sense. 前者: "Former". The Japanese noun '前者 (ぜんしゃ)' means 'the former' and is used to refer to the first of two things or people mentioned earlier in a conversation or text. It is often paired with '後者 (こうしゃ)', which means 'the latter'. For example: Between tea and coffee, I prefer the former「紅茶とコーヒーのうち、前者が好きです」(こうちゃとコーヒーのうち、ぜんしゃがすきです). When comparing two options, the former is usually the first one mentioned. This word is commonly used in formal or written contexts to avoid repetition. 死者: "Dead". The Japanese noun '死者 (ししゃ)' refers to a deceased person or the dead. It is used to describe someone who has passed away. This term is often used in formal or serious contexts, such as in news reports, legal documents, or discussions about tragedies. For example: The number of dead increased「死者の数が増えた」(ししゃのかずがふえた). The dead were mourned by their families「死者は家族に悼まれた」(ししゃはかぞくにいたまれた). It is important to note that '死者' is a neutral term and does not carry any particular emotional connotation, but it is generally used in respectful contexts. 業者: "Trader" or "Contractor". The Japanese noun '業者 (ぎょうしゃ)' can refer to a 'trader' or 'contractor', depending on the context. As a 'trader', it typically refers to a person or company engaged in buying and selling goods or services. For example: The trader offered a good price「業者が良い値段を提示した」(ぎょうしゃがよいねだんをていしした). As a 'contractor', it refers to a person or company hired to perform specific tasks or services, often in construction or specialized fields. For example: The contractor completed the project on time「業者がプロジェクトを時間通りに完了した」(ぎょうしゃがぷろじぇくとをじかんどおりにかんりょうした). The word is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings. 役者: "Actor". The Japanese noun '役者 (やくしゃ)' refers to an 'actor', someone who performs in plays, movies, or television shows. This term is commonly used in the context of theater and entertainment. For example: He is a famous actor「彼は有名な役者です」(かれはゆうめいなやくしゃです). She wants to become an actor「彼女は役者になりたい」(かのじょはやくしゃになりたい). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is skilled at pretending or acting in social situations, though this usage is less common. 歩行者: "Pedestrian". The Japanese noun '歩行者 (ほこうしゃ)' refers to a 'pedestrian', someone who is walking, especially in a city or town. This term is commonly used in contexts related to traffic, safety, and urban planning. For example: Pedestrians should use the crosswalk「歩行者は横断歩道を使うべきです」(ほこうしゃはおうだんほどうをつかうべきです). The road is closed to vehicles but open to pedestrians「その道路は車両通行止めですが、歩行者は通行できます」(そのどうろはしゃりょうつうこうどめですが、ほこうしゃはつうこうできます). It is important to note that '歩行者' specifically refers to people walking, distinguishing them from drivers, cyclists, or other road users. 文学者: "Literary scholar". The Japanese noun '文学者 (ぶんがくしゃ)' refers to a person who is a scholar or expert in literature. This term is used to describe individuals who study, analyze, and often write about literary works, including novels, poetry, and other forms of written art. A 文学者 may be a professor, critic, or author who specializes in the field of literature. Example sentences: He is a famous literary scholar「彼は有名な文学者です」(かれはゆうめいなぶんがくしゃです). She became a literary scholar after years of study「彼女は何年も勉強して文学者になりました」(かのじょはなんねんもべんきょうしてぶんがくしゃになりました). 信者: "Follower" or "Believer". The Japanese noun '信者 (しんじゃ)' refers to a person who believes in or follows a particular religion, ideology, or figure. It is commonly used in the context of religious faith, but can also extend to passionate supporters of a cause, movement, or even a celebrity. For example: He is a believer of Buddhism「彼は仏教の信者です」(かれはぶっきょうのしんじゃです). She is a devoted follower of that artist「彼女はそのアーティストの熱心な信者です」(かのじょはそのアーティストのねっしんなしんじゃです). Note that while 'believer' and 'follower' are closely related, they can sometimes emphasize different aspects—'believer' focuses on faith, while 'follower' emphasizes loyalty or support. 歩行者天国: "Pedestrian zone". The Japanese noun '歩行者天国 (ほこうしゃてんごく)' refers to a 'pedestrian zone' or 'pedestrian paradise,' where vehicles are prohibited, and the area is reserved exclusively for pedestrians. This term is often used to describe streets or areas in urban settings that are temporarily or permanently closed to traffic, allowing people to walk freely and safely. For example: The shopping street is a pedestrian zone on Sundays「日曜日にはその商店街は歩行者天国です」(にちようびにはそのしょうてんがいほこうしゃてんごくです). Let's go to the pedestrian zone「歩行者天国に行きましょう」(ほこうしゃてんごくにいきましょう). 者: "Person". The Japanese noun '者 (もの)' means 'person'. It is a formal or literary term used to refer to an individual, often in a general or abstract sense. It can also imply a person with a specific role or characteristic. For example: a wise person「賢い者」(かしこいもの). The person who did this「これをした者」(これをしたもの). Note that '者' is often used in written or formal contexts, and in spoken language, alternatives like '人 (ひと)' are more common. 何者: "What" or "Who". The Japanese noun '何者 (なにもの)' is used to inquire about someone's identity or nature. It can be translated as 'who' or 'what' depending on the context. This word is often used in questions to ask about the identity of a person or the nature of something. For example: Who are you?「あなたは何者ですか?」(あなたはなにものですか?). What kind of person is he?「彼は何者ですか?」(かれはなにものですか?). It is important to note that '何者' can carry a slightly formal or dramatic tone, and is often used in contexts where the speaker is questioning the true nature or identity of someone or something. 労働者: "Worker". The Japanese noun '労働者 (ろうどうしゃ)' refers to a 'worker' or 'laborer'. It is a general term used to describe someone who performs physical or mental work, often in exchange for wages. This word is commonly used in contexts related to employment, labor rights, and workplace discussions. For example: The workers are on strike「労働者がストライキをしている」(ろうどうしゃがストライキをしている). Many workers commute by train「多くの労働者が電車で通勤する」(おおくのろうどうしゃがでんしゃでつうきんする). The term can apply to various types of workers, including factory workers, office workers, or manual laborers, and is neutral in tone. 使者: "Messenger". The Japanese noun '使者 (ししゃ)' means 'messenger'. This term is used to refer to someone who is sent to deliver a message or perform a task on behalf of another person or organization. It carries a formal or official connotation, often implying that the messenger is acting under authority. For example: The king sent a messenger「王は使者を送った」(おうはししゃをおくった). The messenger delivered the important news「使者は重要な知らせを届けた」(ししゃはじゅうようなしらせをとどけた). This word is typically used in contexts involving diplomacy, official communications, or significant announcements. 保護者: "Guardian". The Japanese noun '保護者 (ほごしゃ)' refers to a person who has the legal responsibility to care for and protect someone, typically a child or someone unable to care for themselves. This term is commonly used in educational or legal contexts to describe parents, legal guardians, or custodians. For example: The guardian attended the school meeting「保護者が学校の会議に出席した」(ほごしゃががっこうのかいぎにしゅっせきした). The guardian signed the permission slip「保護者が許可書に署名した」(ほごしゃがきょかしょにしょめいした). It is important to note that '保護者' is a formal term and is often used in official documents or settings. To make really sure you learn this Kanji, I've prepared an interactive lesson for you. You are going to learn the readings and meanings of this kanji.
But first, you need to know a little bit about Hiragana and Katakana.
Hiragana and katakana are japanese syllabaries, this means that each character represents a syllable.
This are the characters you need to know for this lesson:
The hiragana "し" is read as "shi". The hiragana "も" is read as "mo". And The hiragana "の" is read as "no".