You're Not a 'Normal Person', Stop Describing Yourself That Way!
When you want to say "I'm just an ordinary person" in English, does I'm a normal person pop into your head?
Hmm... while grammatically correct, that phrase sounds a bit like you're saying, "I'm a normal person, I don't have mental health issues." It feels a bit odd, and frankly, quite boring.
Actually, the English equivalent of "ordinary person" is a lot like that versatile white T-shirt in our wardrobe. It seems simple, but it has a thousand different variations. Pick the right one, and it boosts your appeal; pick the wrong one, and it just doesn't quite fit.
Today, let's play stylist and see which 'white T-shirt' your "ordinary" really is!
Which 'Ordinary' Are You?
1. The All-Purpose Basic: Ordinary Person 👕
This is like the classic pure cotton crew-neck white T-shirt – the safest, most versatile option. When you want to express, "I'm just an everyday person, I haven't achieved anything grand or possess special talents," then ordinary person is spot on.
It carries a sense of humility and down-to-earth simplicity, making it the most reliable choice for self-introduction.
"I'm just an ordinary person trying to make a difference." (I'm just an ordinary person trying to make a difference.)
2. The Popular Choice: Common Person ✨
This is like that 'national' T-shirt everyone seems to own, emphasising "universality" and "the majority". When you want to convey that you're part of the general public and are like most people, common person is very apt.
This term is often used in the context of discussing social or political issues, representing the stance of "the general populace."
"The new policy will affect the common person the most." (The new policy will affect the general public the most.)
3. The Average Size: Average Person 📊
This is like the 'M-sized T-shirt' defined by data, highlighting "average levels". When you want to describe a typical, most representative individual from a statistical or data perspective, average person is the most precise.
"The average person checks their phone over 100 times a day." (The average person checks their phone over 100 times a day.)
4. The 'Casual Wear' Outside Your Field: Layperson 👨🔬
Imagine a meeting full of scientists, and you're there in a casual T-shirt. In that scenario, you're the layperson (an outsider).
This term is used to contrast with an "expert," referring to someone who lacks knowledge in a specific professional field – an "outsider." It has nothing to do with your social status, only your professional background.
"Could you explain that in layperson's terms?" (Could you explain that in terms a layperson can understand?)
5. The Slightly Shoddy Old T-Shirt: Mediocre Person 😅
There's always that one old T-shirt in the wardrobe that's been worn for ages, a bit stretched out, maybe even a little yellowed. That's a mediocre person, carrying the negative connotation of being "average, unexceptional."
It describes someone whose talent or performance is just ordinary, or even somewhat subpar. Unless you're being self-deprecating, never use this term to describe others – it's extremely impolite!
"He wasn't a genius, but he wasn't a mediocre person either." (He wasn't a genius, but he certainly wasn't mediocre either.)
Don't Just Memorise Words, Go and Genuinely Connect with the World
See? Even a simple "white T-shirt" has so much to it.
The true charm of language learning is never about rote-learning a thick dictionary. It's about precisely understanding and expressing those subtle differences, allowing us to build deeper connections with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Do you long to chat with international friends about what "ordinary people" look like in their eyes? Or perhaps, you want to confidently introduce your unique self using the most authentic phrasing?
This is precisely the original intention behind our Intent app.
This chat app has powerful AI real-time translation built-in, so no matter what language the other person speaks, you can converse as easily as you would with an old friend. It doesn't just translate text; it also helps you understand subtle cultural nuances, making every communication you have more thoughtful and authentic.
Connect with the world on Intent
Stop being a "normal person" who can only say normal person.
From today, learn to put on the "T-shirt" that best suits you and confidently introduce yourself to the world!