Understanding 他人
The word 他人 (tārén) refers specifically to "other people" or "others," emphasizing individuals who are not oneself or one's close group. It is often used in contexts where distinction between oneself and outsiders is important, such as respecting privacy or property.
Usage and Nuance
他人 carries a neutral to formal tone and is commonly used in written and spoken Mandarin to refer to strangers or people outside a particular circle. It is more formal than words like 别人 (biérén), which also means "other people" but is more casual.
Common Collocations
- 他人的东西 (other people's belongings): used when talking about property that belongs to others.
- 他人的隐私 (other people's privacy): emphasizes respecting privacy boundaries.
- 他人的评价 (other people's evaluation): refers to opinions or judgments from others.
Avoiding Confusion
Do not confuse 他人 with 自己人 (zìjǐrén), which means "one's own people" or "insiders." 他人 always points to outsiders or strangers, so it is useful when highlighting boundaries or differences between groups.