1.
person, one who
Refers to a person, typically in formal or written contexts. Often used in compounds or after a modifying clause to mean 'the one who' or 'a person who.'
関係者のみ入室可。
Authorized persons only.
希望者は受付まで申し出てください。
Those who are interested, please apply at the front desk.
この事件の容疑者はまだ捕まっていない。
The suspect in this case has not yet been caught.
In compounds, 者 is the on'yomi reading. See note below.
者 means 'person' in formal or written contexts. It is distinct from 物 (thing).
READINGS:
- もの: standalone or in some native compounds — 者
- しゃ: in Sino-Japanese compounds — 医者 (doctor), 学者 (scholar), 記者 (reporter)
COMMON COMPOUNDS (しゃ reading):
- 患者: patient
- 容疑者: suspect
- 希望者: applicant, person who wishes
- 関係者: person involved, authorized person
- 若者: young person
CONTRAST WITH 人:
- 人 is the general, everyday word for 'person'
- 者 is more formal or literary and often appears in official or legal contexts