"Méi rén" literally combines 没 (méi, meaning 'not have' or 'there is no') and 人 (rén, meaning 'person'). Together, it functions as an indefinite pronoun meaning 'nobody' or 'no one'. It refers to the complete absence of people in a given context — not just 'not many', but zero persons. It's commonly used in declarative sentences to state that there is not a single person present, involved, or available.

This word appears frequently in everyday spoken and written Chinese, especially when describing empty spaces, unattended situations, or universal lack of action or response. Unlike English 'nobody', 没人 cannot be used as the subject of a verb in formal passive constructions (e.g., you wouldn’t say *没人被邀请* for 'nobody was invited'; use 谁都没被邀请 instead). It’s neutral in register — appropriate in both casual conversation and standard writing.