You're Not a 'Normal Person' – Stop Introducing Yourself That Way!
Do you want to say "I'm just an ordinary person" in English, but the only phrase that comes to mind is I'm a normal person?
Well... while grammatically correct, this phrase sounds as if you're saying, "I'm a perfectly normal person, with no mental health issues." That feels a bit odd, and frankly, quite boring.
In fact, the English equivalent of 'ordinary person' is like that versatile white T-shirt in our wardrobe. It might look simple, but it comes in hundreds of different forms. Choose the right one, and it can add to your charm; choose the wrong one, and you'll stick out like a sore thumb.
Today, let's play stylist for a bit and see which 'white T-shirt' best represents your 'ordinary'.
Your 'Ordinary' – Which Style Is It?
1. The Versatile Basic: Ordinary Person 👕
This is like the classic, pure cotton crew-neck white T-shirt. It's the safest and most versatile option. When you want to convey, "I'm just a normal person, with no great achievements or special talents," ordinary person is the perfect fit.
It carries a sense of humility and simplicity, making it the most reliable choice when introducing yourself.
"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 ubiquitous 'national T-shirt' that everyone owns. It emphasizes 'universality' and 'the majority'. When you want to express that you're part of the general public, just like most people, common person is very appropriate.
This term is often used in the context of discussing social or political issues, representing the stance of 'the broad masses'.
"The new policy will affect the common person the most." (The new policy will affect the common person the most.)
3. The Average Size: Average Person 📊
This is like an 'M-sized T-shirt' defined by data. It highlights 'average level'. When you want to describe a typical, representative individual from a statistical or data-driven 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. Casual Wear Outside the Professional Field: Layperson 👨🔬
Imagine a conference full of scientists, where you're the only one wearing a casual T-shirt. In that setting, you are the layperson.
This term is used in contrast with an 'expert'. It refers to an 'outsider' who lacks knowledge in a specific professional field. It's not about your social status; it's purely about your professional background.
"Could you explain that in layperson's terms?" (Could you explain that in terms an outsider could understand?)
5. A Faded Old T-shirt: Mediocre Person 😅
In your wardrobe, there's always that one old T-shirt that's been worn out, stretched, and even a bit yellowed. That's a mediocre person, carrying the negative connotation of being 'average' or 'unremarkable'.
It describes someone whose talent or performance is ordinary, or even somewhat disappointing. Unless you're making fun of yourself, never use this term to describe others; it's very impolite!
"He wasn't a genius, but he wasn't a mediocre person either." (He wasn't a genius, but he wasn't a mediocre person either.)
Don't Just Memorise Vocabulary; Go and Truly Engage with the World
You see, even a simple 'white T-shirt' comes with so many subtleties.
The true charm of learning a language is never about rote memorisation from a thick dictionary. It's about accurately understanding and expressing those subtle nuances, allowing us to build deeper connections with people from different cultural backgrounds.
Do you also long to chat with foreign friends about what 'ordinary people' mean in their eyes? Or perhaps you want to confidently introduce your unique self using the most authentic expressions?
This is precisely why we created Intent.
This chat app features powerful built-in AI real-time translation. It allows you to converse effortlessly, like with an old friend, no matter what language the other person speaks. It doesn't just translate text; it also helps you understand cultural subtleties, making every conversation more thoughtful and authentic.
Make Friends with the World on Intent
Stop being an 'ordinary person' who only knows how to say normal person.
From today, learn to put on the 'T-shirt' that best suits you, and confidently introduce yourself to the world!