Translation and Meaning of: 個人 - kojin

The Japanese word 個人 (こじん, kojin) is an essential term for anyone learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. It represents a fundamental concept in everyday communication and also reflects important aspects of Japanese society. In this article, we will explore its meaning, usage in different contexts, and some curiosities that may help you memorize it better.

If you have ever wondered how the Japanese talk about individuality or privacy, 個人 is a key word to understand these themes. Furthermore, we will see how it appears in common expressions and why it is so relevant both in everyday life and in more formal discussions. Shall we begin?

The meaning and use of 個人 (こじん)

個人 (こじん) means "individual" or "person" in Japanese, with a specific focus on the idea of singularity. Unlike words like 人 (ひと, hito) or 人間 (にんげん, ningen), which refer to "person" in a more generic way, 個人 carries a nuance of individuality, highlighting the person as a unique and independent being.

It is often used in contexts involving rights, privacy, or individual responsibilities. For example, in discussions about data protection, it is common to encounter expressions like 個人情報 (こじんじょうほう, kojin jōhō), which means "personal information." This word also appears in professional and academic settings when discussing individual opinions or contributions.

The origin and writing of 個人

The word 個人 is composed of two kanjis: 個 (ko), which means "unit" or "individual," and 人 (jin), which means "person." Together, they form the concept of "individual." The kanji 個 is often used in other words related to counting or singularity, such as 一個 (いっこ, ikko – "one unit") or 個性 (こせい, kosei – "personality").

It is worth noting that 個人 is not an ancient word, but its use has become established with the modernization of Japan, especially in legal and social contexts that required more precise language to address individual rights. It reflects a cultural shift towards greater recognition of individuality within a traditionally collectivist society.

How and when to use 個人 in everyday Japanese

In everyday conversations, 個人 (kojin) is not as common as other words for "person," but it appears in specific situations. If you want to say "personal opinion," for example, you can use 個人の意見 (こじんのいけん, kojin no iken). In formal settings, such as contracts or company policies, it is more common to find terms like 個人責任 (こじんせきにん, kojin sekinin), which means "individual responsibility."

One tip to memorize this word is to associate it with situations where individuality is important. Think of contexts like digital signatures (個人認証, kojin ninshō) or even gyms that offer personalized training (個人レッスン, kojin ressun). The more you relate 個人 to practical examples, the more natural its use will be in your vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

個体 (Kotai) - Individual, individually identified object.
個別 (Kobetsu) - Individual, separated, private.
個人的 (Kojinteki) - Guys, related to an individual.
個々 (Koko) - Each one, individually, one by one.
個性 (Kosei) - Personality, individuality.
個人主義 (Kojin shugi) - Individualism, a philosophy that prioritizes the individual.
個人情報 (Kojin jōhō) - Personal information, data that identifies an individual.
個人情報保護 (Kojin jōhō hogo) - Protection of personal information, measures to safeguard data.
個人情報漏洩 (Kojin jōhō rōeitai) - Leak of personal information, unauthorized disclosure of data.
個人差 (Kojin sa) - Individual differences, variations among people.
個人的自由 (Kojinteki jiyū) - Personal freedom, freedom of the individual.
個人的責任 (Kojinteki sekinin) - Personal responsibility, duties and obligations of an individual.
個人的自立 (Kojinteki jiritsu) - Personal autonomy, the ability to sustain oneself.
個人的自己責任 (Kojinteki jiko sekinin) - Individual responsibility, responsibility for one's own actions.
個人的自己啓発 (Kojinteki jiko keihatsu) - Personal self-help, individual development.
個人的自己改革 (Kojinteki jiko kaikaku) - Personal reform, individual change aimed at growth.
個人的自己啓蒙 (Kojinteki jiko keimō) - Personal illumination, development of one's own consciousness.
個人的自己啓示 (Kojinteki jiko keiji) - Personal self-discovery, revelation about oneself.
個人的自己啓発法 (Kojinteki jiko keihatsu hō) - Personal self-help method, techniques for individual development.
個人的自己啓発書 (Kojinteki jiko keihatsu-sho) - Self-help book, literature on personal development.