1.
different person, someone else entirely
A completely different person. Often used figuratively to describe someone who has changed so dramatically in appearance, personality, or behavior that they seem like a different person.
別人 literally means "different person" and is most often used figuratively to describe dramatic transformation.
Common patterns
- 別人のようだ: to be like a different person
- まるで別人: just like a different person
- 別人みたいになる: to become like a different person
- 別人に生まれ変わる: to be reborn as a different person
Usage
- Dramatic weight loss or gain
- Change in personality or attitude
- Appearance change (haircut, makeup, aging)
- Skill improvement (sports, music)
The figurative use is far more common than the literal meaning. Saying 別人みたい is a strong compliment or observation about how much someone has changed.