1.
that person (over there); he; she
A pronoun referring to a person who is distant from both the speaker and listener, or someone both parties know but who is not present.
あの人は誰ですか。
Who is that person?
あの人なら知っていますよ。
I know that person.
あの人のことは信頼できると思う。
I think that person can be trusted.
2.
one's significant other; my husband/wife/partner
An indirect way to refer to one's romantic partner or spouse, used to avoid naming them directly.
あの人、最近忙しいみたいで。
My partner seems to be busy lately.
あの人には本当に感謝しています。
I'm truly grateful to him/her (my partner).
あの人と出会ってから、毎日が楽しくなりました。
Since I met him/her, every day has become enjoyable.
The most natural third-person pronoun in Japanese for referring to someone both speaker and listener are aware of. Unlike 彼 or 彼女, which feel somewhat formal or translated, あの人 is the default conversational choice.
USAGE:
In sense 2, women especially use あの人 to refer to their husband or partner in conversation with others. This usage carries a soft, intimate tone without being overly direct. Men may also use it, though 家内, 妻, or the partner's name is more common for men.
REGISTER:
- あの人: neutral, everyday
- あの方: polite/formal equivalent
- あの子: that girl/boy — used for younger people, can sound condescending for adults
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 彼: he — sounds somewhat formal or bookish in everyday speech
- 彼女: she — can also mean "girlfriend," creating ambiguity
- あの方: that person (polite) — respectful form used in formal situations