Translation and Meaning of: 人物 - jinbutsu

The Japanese word 人物 [じんぶつ] is a term that frequently appears in conversations, texts, and even in Japanese proverbs. If you are studying the language or just curious about its meaning, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is used in everyday life, and some tips for memorizing it efficiently. Additionally, we will understand how it fits into Japanese culture and in what contexts it can be applied.

If you've ever wondered what 人物 really means or how to differentiate it from similar , keep reading. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide clear and accurate explanations for those who truly want to learn Japanese. Let's start with the basics: the meaning and origin of this fascinating word.

Meaning and origin of 人物 [じんぶつ]

The word 人物 is composed of two kanji: 人 (person) and 物 (thing, object). Together, they form a term that can be translated as "person," "individual," or even "character" in certain contexts. However, its meaning goes beyond a simple translation. 人物 carries a nuance that highlights someone's qualities, personality, or significance.

Differently from other words that refer to people, such as 人 [ひと] or 人間 [にんげん], 人物 has a more formal tone and is often used to describe important figures or individuals with remarkable characteristics. For example, in biographies or articles about historical personalities, it is common to find this term to highlight the impact that person had on society.

Everyday use and cultural context

In daily life, Japanese people use 人物 to refer to someone with iration or respect. If you hear someone say "あの人はすごい人物だ" (Ano hito wa sugoi jinbutsu da), it means that person is considered impressive or notable. This usage reflects the appreciation of traits such as integrity, talent, and influence in Japanese culture.

Moreover, 人物 also appears in professional and academic contexts. In job interviews, for example, recruiters may ask about the "人物像" (jinbutsuzou), which refers to the profile or personal characteristics of the candidate. This application demonstrates how the term is connected to the idea of reputation and public image in Japan.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to the meaning of 人物 is to associate it with historical figures or famous characters. Think of someone you ire and try to describe them using that word. Another tip is to observe its use in Japanese dramas or news broadcasts, where it frequently appears in discussions about leaders and influential personalities.

Interestingly, 人物 can also be found in expressions such as "人物描写" (jinbutsu byousha), which means "character description" in literary works. If you enjoy mangas or books, noticing these details can help to reinforce vocabulary in a natural and contextualized way.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 人物 (Jinbutsu) - Person, character
• キャラクター (Kyarakutā) - Character, figure (usually in fiction contexts)
• 人形 (Ningyō) - Puppet, marionette
• 人形劇 (Ningyōgeki) - Puppet theater
• 人形芝居 (Ningyō shibai) - Puppet theater (synonym of 人形劇, emphasizing stage puppets)
• 人形演劇 (Ningyō engeki) - Puppet theater, emphasizing the performance
• 人形劇場 (Ningyōgeki jō) - Puppet theater (space dedicated to performances)
• 人形劇団 (Ningyōgeki dan) - Puppet theater company
• 人形劇作家 (Ningyōgeki sakka) - Author of puppet theater plays
• 人形劇演出家 (Ningyōgeki enshutsuka) - Puppet theater director
• 人形劇俳優 (Ningyōgeki haiyū) - Puppet theater actor
• 人形劇音楽 (Ningyōgeki ongaku) - Music for puppet theater
• 人形劇舞台 (Ningyōgeki butai) - Puppet theater stage
• 人形劇衣装 (Ningyōgeki ishō) - Costumes for puppet theater
• 人形劇小道具 (Ningyōgeki shōdōgu) - Puppet theater props
• 人形劇台本 (Ningyōgeki daihon) - Puppet theater script
• 人形劇研究 (Ningyōgeki kenkyū) - Research on puppet theater
• 人形劇博物館 (Ningyōgeki hakubutsukan) - Puppet Theater Museum
• 人形劇祭り (Ningyōgeki matsuri) - Puppet Theater Festival
• 人形劇教室 (Ningyōgeki kyōshitsu) - Puppet theater course
• 人形劇教材 (Ningyōgeki kyōzai) - Educational materials for puppet theater
• 人形劇講座 (Ningyōgeki kōza) - Lecture on puppet theater
• 人形劇展示 (Ningyōgeki tenji) - Puppet theater performance