Translation and Meaning of: 本人 - honnin

The word 「本人」(honnin) is a Japanese expression commonly used to refer to oneself, to the individual in question, that is, "the person themselves". The etymology of the word is quite straightforward: 「本」(hon) means "main" or "real", while 「人」(nin) means "person". Together, these ideograms form a term that conveys the concept of "the main person" or "the person in question", emphasizing the individual's own involvement or responsibility in a situation or context.

The use of 「本人」 in everyday Japanese is common in formal or written contexts. For example, it is typical to hear it in situations where it is necessary to confirm someone's identity or responsibility, such as in official documents, contracts, or even in medical contexts. When someone is referred to as 「本人」, it is emphasized that this person, specifically, is the one directly involved in a matter or process.

The variations and synonyms of 「本人」 include words like 「本人自ら」(honnin mizukara), which further emphasizes the personal and direct action of the person regarding something, and 「本人確認」 (honnin kakunin), which means "identity verification." These shared reflect the importance of clearly indicating someone's role or responsibility in specific situations, often related to the need for authentication or formal confirmation. This emphasis on identity and authenticity is characteristic of formal interactions in Japanese society, where accuracy and clarity in recognizing the person involved are highly valued.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

  • 自分 ( jibun ) - myself; refers to the person themselves, often used in more personal contexts.
  • 自己 ( jiko ) - auto; emphasizes the self in relation to internal factors or characteristics, often used in psychological contexts.
  • 自身 ( jishin ) - self; indicates one's own essence or identity, emphasizing authenticity or personal truth.

Related words

自分

jibun

myself; To yourself

自身

jishin

by itself; personally

自己

jiko

I; To yourself

sama

Mr. or Mrs.

原則

gensoku

principle; general rule

本人

Romaji: honnin
Kana: ほんにん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: the person himself

Meaning in English: the person himself

Definition: myself.

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How to Write in Japanese - (本人) honnin

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (本人) honnin:

Example Sentences - (本人) honnin

See below some example sentences:

本人は自分自身を知ることが大切だ。

Honjin wa jibun jishin o shiru koto ga taisetsu da

It is important for a person to know themselves.

It is important for a person to know themselves.

  • 本人 - means "myself" or "the person herself/himself".
  • は - topic particle, which indicates the subject of the sentence.
  • 自分自身 - means "oneself" or "the person themselves."
  • を - direct object particle, which indicates the object of the action.
  • 知る - verb that means "to know" or "to be aware".
  • こと - noun that indicates an action or a fact.
  • が - subject particle, which indicates who performs the action.
  • 大切 - Adjective that means "important" or "valuable".
  • だ - verb that indicates existence or identity.

Other Words of this Type: noun

See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun

本人