人物

じんぶつ

character, personality, talented man

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Understanding "人物"

"人物" (rénwù) primarily refers to a person or figure, often emphasizing someone of importance or distinct character. It can mean a character in a story, a historical figure, or simply a person involved in a situation.

Usage and Nuance

When used in literature or film, "人物" often points to characters with defined traits or roles. In historical or social contexts, it highlights notable or influential people. It is more formal and specific than just "" (person).

Common Collocations

  • 主要人物 (zhǔyào rénwù): main character or key figure, used in storytelling or analysis.
  • 历史人物 (lìshǐ rénwù): historical figure, referring to important people from history.
  • 人物关系 (rénwù guānxì): relationships between characters, common in narrative contexts.

Tips

Avoid confusing "人物" with just ""; the former carries a sense of significance or defined identity. It is often used in formal or literary contexts rather than casual speech.

Example Sentences

The main characters in this movie are very vivid.

He is a famous figure in history.

At this meeting, every person had a chance to speak.