僕
bokumale, polite casual
A man usually says 僕 (boku) for "I". 俺 (ore) is rougher and used among close friends and 私 (watashi) is formal and used by everyone.
Meaning: I, me, for a male speaker (pronoun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 僕 | boku | male, polite casual |
| 私 | watashi | neutral, formal |
| 俺 | ore | male, rough, casual |
Boys often move from 僕 (boku) to 俺 (ore) as they grow up, but many men keep 僕 (boku) for life. In interviews and presentations, men normally use 私 (watashi).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
僕 (boku) is friendly and a little gentle, common with coworkers and in school. 俺 (ore) sounds masculine and relaxed. It can seem rude with someone of higher status. 私 (watashi) is safe in business and with strangers.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Learners should avoid 俺 (ore) with a teacher or a manager.
Did you know?
- Japanese has many words for "I", and a speaker's choice shows age, gender and the feeling of the moment.
Examples in context
- 僕は学生です。Boku wa gakusei desu.I am a student.
- 俺も行くよ。Ore mo iku yo.I am going too.
- 私は田中と申します。Watashi wa Tanaka to moushimasu.My name is Tanaka.
Example conversation
Kenta chats with his friend Daichi and then speaks to his boss Mr. Abe.
- Kenta俺もそれ買うよ。Ore mo sore kau yo.I will buy that too.
- Daichiいいね。Ii ne.Nice.
- Abe健太君、明日は来られる?Kenta-kun, ashita wa korareru?Kenta, can you come tomorrow?
- Kentaはい、私は大丈夫です。Hai, watashi wa daijoubu desu.Yes, I am fine.
