あの方(かた)

あの方(かた) is a polite pronoun for referring to a third person who is not present or who is at a distance. Part of the ko-so-a-do demonstrative system.

Politeness scale

• あいつ: very informal, can be rude
• あの人(ひと): neutral
• あの方(かた): polite
• あちらの方(かた): very polite

Demonstrative set

• この方(かた): this person (near speaker)
• その方(かた): that person (near listener)
• あの方(かた): that person (far from both)
• どの方(かた) / どなた: which person / who

Usage

Use あの方(かた) in formal situations, business contexts, or when speaking about someone deserving respect. In very formal speech, あの方(かた)様(さま) adds even more respect.