Definition
某 (ぼう, bou) is a unique Japanese term that is used in writing to refer to a thing or person anonymously, sometimes in a sarcastic way. In old Japanese, 某 also reads (それがし, soregashi) and means “I/me”; this usage is seen in period dramas.
Usage
某 is usually put before a noun, like 某アニメ meaning “the/this/a certain/anonymous anime”. It is usually used when people want to refer to someone or something anonymously, but sometimes it is quite obvious what/whom they are alluding to, in which case it can contain a sarcastic tone.
Examples
某国会議員 (こっかいぎいん) に我々 (われわれ) はインタビューをした。
We interviewed a certain (anonymous) Diet member.
渋谷(しぶや)にある某有名IT企業(きぎょう)で3年働(はたら)いた後(あと)、起業(きぎょう)した。
After I worked in the famous IT company in Shibuya for three years, I started my business.
某芸能人(げいのうじん)が不倫(ふりん)したニュースはもう聞(き)き飽(あ)きた。
I’m sick of hearing the news anymore that the celebrity had an affair.
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