Meaning
本人 is a formal first-person pronoun meaning 'I' or 'myself.' It emphasizes the speaker as the specific individual involved or referred to, often used in official contexts, written documents, or formal speeches. Unlike the casual 我, 本人 carries a more serious, bureaucratic, or legal tone.
Usage
Used primarily in formal written Chinese (applications, legal documents, official statements) or when speaking in very formal settings. Native speakers rarely use it in everyday conversation—saying 本人 in casual chat would sound overly stiff or humorous. Common in phrases like 本人认为 ('I personally believe') or 本人声明 ('I hereby declare').
Examples
- 01本人郑重声明，以上信息真实有效。, .I hereby solemnly declare that the above information is true and valid.
- 02这份文件需要由本人亲自办理。.This document must be handled by the person concerned in person.
Characters
Common collocations
- 本人认为I personally believe
- 本人声明I hereby declare
- 由本人by the person concerned, by myself
- 本人签字signed by myself
Antonyms
Origin
Literally 'this person' or 'the original person,' combining 本 (this/root) with 人 (person). The construction emphasizes the specific individual being referenced.