自己
jiko[d͡ʑiko̞]
The English word 'self' can be translated into Japanese using several terms depending on the context. The default form is 自己 (jiko). Wiktionary also lists 自身 (jíshin) and 自我 (jiga).
Meaning: individual person as the object of own reflective consciousness (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 自己 | jiko | [d͡ʑiko̞] (narrow) |
| 自身 | jíshin | [d͡ʑiɕĩɴ] (narrow) |
| 自我 | jiga | [d͡ʑiɡa̠] (narrow) |
While 自己 refers to the abstract concept of the self, you may encounter the slang term 自己中 (a colloquial abbreviation of 自己中心的) to describe someone who is selfish or self-centered.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 自己 is composed of the characters 自 (self) and 己 (oneself).
Which one should you use?
自己 refers to the abstract concept of the 'self'. In contrast, 自身 is used as an intensive pronoun to mean 'oneself' (such as 'himself' or 'myself') to add emphasis. 自我 is a specialized term used specifically in psychological contexts to refer to the 'ego' or the conscious sense of self.
How do you pronounce it?
jiko
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the concept of 'self' is often viewed through the lens of 間柄 (aida-gara), meaning the 'space between' people. The 'self' is not seen as a fixed internal entity but as something that changes depending on who the person is interacting with.
- The character 己 (ko) in 自己 is a pictograph that originally depicted a twisted thread or a fetus in the womb. This suggests an ancient connection between the 'self' and the idea of something coiled or contained.
- In psychological or philosophical debates in Japan, the term 自我 (ego) is often contrasted with 無我 (muga), meaning 'no-self' or 'selflessness', a concept rooted in Buddhist thought.
Examples in context
- トムって自己中だと思う。I think Tom is self-centered.This sentence shows how to use the slang term 自己中 to mean 'self-centered'.Tatoeba #3591737 by arnab, translation #3184204 by CK
- 彼は自己中心です。He's self centered.This sentence uses 自己 to describe someone being self-centered.Tatoeba #3655481 by rbbrbb, translation #3655486 by rbbrbb
- 彼は自己中心な人だ。He is a self-oriented person.This sentence uses 自己 to describe a self-oriented person.Tatoeba #150120 by xtofu80, translation #264437 by xtofu80
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are discussing psychological concepts in a cafe.
- 美咲 Misaki自己肯定感を高めることは大切だよ。Jiko kouteikan o takameru koto wa taisetsu da yo.It is important to improve your sense of self-esteem.
- 蓮 Ren確かに、自己管理も必要だね。Tashika ni, jiko kanri mo hitsuyou da ne.True, self-management is also necessary.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮くんは、自己分析はしているの？Ren-kun wa, jiko bunseki wa shite iru no?Ren, do you do any self-analysis?
- 蓮 Ren時々、自分の性格を振り返るよ。Tokidoki, jibun no seikaku o furikaeru yo.Sometimes, I reflect on my own personality.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “self” translations and entries 自己, 自身, 自我, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
