Japanese word

個人

Pronunciation

Romajikojin

Meaning

  • nounindividual

Example

個人で参加します。ko jin de san ka shi ma su

I will participate as an individual.

Illustration for 個人 (individual)

More examples

これはあくまで個人の意見です。ko re wa a ku ma de ko jin no i ken de su

This is just a personal opinion.

Core concept

Presents one person as a separate unit, apart from a group or organization.

Common phrases

  • 個人でko jin de

    as an individual

  • 個人の意見ko jin no i ken

    personal opinion

  • 個人情報ko jin jō hō

    personal information

Similar words

一人hitori: A single person counted as one member or participant.

Definition in Japanese

集団や組織から切り離して考えた一人の人。shū dan ya so shiki ka ra ki ri hana shi te kanga e ta hito ri no hito

Word origin

As a Sino-Japanese compound, 個 (ko, "individual") combines with 人 (jin, "person") to form 個人 (kojin), meaning one person viewed separately.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, 個人 (kojin) can sound formal, while 一人 (hitori) is often more natural when the point is simply that there is one person.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word