What does it mean word for word?
The phrase breaks down as follows: 自分 (jibun) means 'oneself', and が (ga) is a particle used here to mark the object of the feeling because the word 嫌い (kirai) expresses a state of being or feeling.
Which one should you use?
While 自分が嫌いです is the standard polite way to express this, you can use 自分自身が大嫌いだ to say "I really hate myself".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 自分が嫌いです is polite and suitable for speaking to strangers or in formal settings. For informal situations, you can replace です (desu) with the plain form だ (da) or omit it entirely, such as in 自分が嫌いだ. A more formal way to express a similar sentiment is 私は自己嫌悪を感じています, which translates to "I feel self-loathing".
How does it change in a sentence?
In this construction, the particle が (ga) marks the object of the feeling because the word 嫌い (kirai) functions as an adjective expressing a state.
How do you pronounce it?
jibun ga kirai desu
Did you know?
- Japanese has several levels of 'dislike', where 嫌い (kirai) is common, but 大嫌い (daikirai) is so strong it is frequently used in romantic 'tsundere' tropes to actually imply a hidden affection.
- While English speakers often say 'I hate myself' to express temporary frustration, the Japanese term 自己嫌悪 (jiko ken'o) carries a much heavier weight of shame and social embarrassment.
- The phrase 自分が嫌いです can sound strangely detached in Japanese. Because it uses the polite です (desu) form, it can sometimes sound like one is making a clinical observation about oneself rather than an emotional outburst.
Examples in context
- 自分が嫌いです。Jibun ga kirai desu.I hate myself.
- つい嘘をついてしまう、自分が嫌いです。Tsui uso o tsuite shimau, jibun ga kirai desu.I hate myself for telling lies easily.
- 優しくなれない自分が嫌いです。Yasashiku narenai jibun ga kirai desu.I hate myself for not being able to be kind.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their feelings in a cafe.
- 陽太 Yota最近、自分が嫌いです。Saikin, jibun ga kirai desu.Lately, I hate myself.
- 陽葵 Himariどうしてそんなことを言うの？Doushite sonna koto o iu no?Why would you say such a thing?
- 陽太 Yota自分の性格に自信が持てないんです。Jibun no seikaku ni jishin ga motenai n desu.I can't be confident in my personality.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太さんは、十分素敵な人だよ。Youta-san wa, juubun sutekina hito da yo.Youta, you are a wonderful person.
