凡人

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 凡人 combines 凡, ordinary, with 人, person, and is read ぼんじん.
• Basic usage: It denotes an ordinary person without exceptional ability or power, as in 凡人だからこそ and 凡人だった.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Basis of contrast
  • It is natural when an ordinary person is contrasted with exceptional talent or special power, as in the examples.
• Difference from 普通の人
  • 普通の人 is a neutral everyday expression, while 凡人 can carry evaluation through contrast with someone extraordinary or through self-deprecation.