1.
that person (polite)
A polite way to refer to a third person. More respectful than あの人 and appropriate for formal situations or when speaking about someone of higher status.
あの方はどなたですか。
Who is that person?
あの方にお会いしたことがあります。
I have met that person before.
あの方は以前この会社の社長をされていた方です。
That person was formerly the president of this company.
あの方 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: neutral
- あの方: polite
- あちらの方: very polite
DEMONSTRATIVE SET:
- この方: this person (near speaker)
- その方: that person (near listener)
- あの方: that person (far from both)
- どの方 / どなた: which person / who
USAGE:
Use あの方 in formal situations, business contexts, or when speaking about someone deserving respect. In very formal speech, あの方様 adds even more respect.