誰
Who
Structure
Demonstrative
Explanation
The word 誰 is the primary Japanese question word used to ask about a person. Its precise English meaning shifts depending on which particle it is paired with.
誰が・誰で・誰に・誰を (who), 誰の (whose), 誰か (someone), 誰も (anyone/everyone).
- 誰が電話しましたか。Who called?
- 誰と話していた？Who were you talking to?
- あの傘は誰のですか。Whose umbrella is that?
- 玄関に誰かいるみたい。It seems like someone's at the entrance.
- このプレゼントは誰にあげますか。Who are you giving this present to?
- 誰をパーティーに呼びたい？Who do you want to invite to the party?
- 誰も知らない。Nobody knows.
Caution
In situations requiring more politeness, other words are used instead of 誰. For honorific language, どなた is appropriate, and for general polite speech, どちらさま can be used.
Examples
あの人は誰ですか。
Who is that person?
教室に誰がいますか。
Who is in the classroom?
誰が運転しますか。
Who will drive?
この傘は誰のですか。
Whose umbrella is this?
彼女は誰でしょう。
I wonder who she is.
誰と映画に行きますか。
Who are you going to the movies with?
公園で誰が写真を撮りますか。
Who will take pictures in the park?
先生：「次に誰が発表しますか。」学生：「田中さんがします。」
Teacher: 'Who will present next?' Student: 'Tanaka-san will.'
誰のカバンが一番可愛いですか。
Whose bag is the cutest?
キッチンで誰が料理をしますか。
Who is cooking in the kitchen?
誰がこのケーキを作ったんですか。
Who made this cake?
母：「電話の向こうは誰？」息子：「僕だよ、お母さん！」
Mom: 'Who's on the phone?' Son: 'It's me, Mom!'