When describing others, we can use the word 人家 (rénjia) or 别人 (biéren). But 人家 also has other grammatical uses, which we will explore in this article.

Both mean "others"

人家 and 别人 both refer to others besides the speaker and the listener, however, 人家 is more colloquial.

Structure

Examples

Wǒ bú zài hu bié rén zěn me shuō。
我 不 在乎 别人 怎么 说。
I don't care what other people say.

人家 can mean "I"

人家 can be used to refer to yourself, and it is often used this way by women, giving it a sort of girly, shy, tender feeling.

Structure

Examples

Yīn wèi rén jiɑ xǐ huɑn nǐ mɑ.
因为 人家 喜欢 你 嘛。
Because I like you!

人家 can mean a certain "him" or "her"

人家 can also refer to someone previously referred to (in the context of the conversation or body of text)or it can refer to a certain someone that both the speaker and listener know.
Structure

Examples

Nǐ kuài qù ɡěi rén jiɑ dào qiàn.
你 快 去 给 人家 道歉。
Quickly go and apologize to her.

人家 can mean "residents"

人家 can also mean residents or inhabitant.

Structure

Examples

Zhè lǐ hěn shǎo yǒu rén jiɑ.
这里 很 少 有 人家。
There are very few residents here.