자신의
jasin-ui
The English phrase "own" is expressed in Korean as 자신의 (jasin-ui).
Meaning: have rightful possession of (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 자신 (self) and the possessive particle 의 (of).
Which one should you use?
자신의 is more formal and written than the more common spoken form 자기의.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Because it ends in the possessive particle 의, it must be followed by a noun.
How do you pronounce it?
jasin-ui
Did you know?
- In casual speech, the word 자기 is frequently used as a pronoun for 'self' or 'one's own', but it is also a common affectionate term between romantic partners, similar to 'honey' or 'darling'.
- While 자신의 is used for 'one's own', Koreans often use the word 우리 (our) to refer to things that belong to 'my' family, house, or country. For example, instead of saying 'my mother', one might say 'our mother' to emphasize communal connection.
- The 'self' in 자신 is composed of the Hanja characters 自 (self) and 身 (body). This literally frames 'one's own' as something pertaining to one's physical or existential body.
Examples in context
- 톰은 자신의 머리를 잘랐다.Tom cut his own hair.This sentence shows how to use 자신의 to describe something a person did to themselves.Tatoeba #11110634 by intertime, translation #9826443 by CK
- 성공 여부는 너 자신의 노력에 달려있다.Whether you succeed depends on your own efforts.This sentence demonstrates using 자신의 to link effort to a person.Tatoeba #10573700 by ssuss32, translation #11489766 by camouat
- 하지만 주인공은 자신의 실수를 인식하고 있다.However the protagonist is aware of his own mistakes.This sentence illustrates using 자신의 to show someone is aware of their own mistakes.Tatoeba #507546 by orzage, translation #328815 by fcbond
- 이 집은 그의 집이 아니에요. 제 집입니다.This house is not his, it's mine.
- 이것은 내 것이야!This is mine!
- 그는 자신의 소유물을 아끼지 않아요.He doesn't take care of his own possessions.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Do-hyun are talking about their apartments.
- 지은 Ji-eun도현 씨는 자신의 집이 있나요?Do-hyeon ssineun jasin-ui jibi innayo?Do-hyun, do you have your own house?
- 도현 Do-hyeon아니요, 저는 아직 전세로 살아요.Aniyo, jeoneun ajik jeonse-ro sarayo.No, I'm still renting.
- 지은 Ji-eun그렇군요. 저는 최근에 작은 집을 샀어요.Geureokunyo. Jeoneun choegeune jageun jibeul sasseoyo.I see. I bought a small house recently.
- 도현 Do-hyeon우와, 드디어 자신의 공간이 생겼네요!Uwa, deudieo jasin-ui gonggani saenggyeonneyo!Wow, you finally have your own space!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
