Translation and Meaning of: 個性 - kosei

The Japanese word 個性 (こせい, kosei) is a fascinating term that carries deep meanings about identity and uniqueness. If you are looking to understand its meaning, origin, or how to use it in daily life, this article will explore all of that in a clear and practical way. Let's dive into the writing, the cultural context, and examples that help solidify this concept that is so valued in Japan.

In addition to unraveling the translation and the kanji that make up 個性, let's see how this word appears in everyday conversations and why it is so relevant in Japanese society. Whether for study or curiosity, understanding 個性 will enrich your knowledge of the language and the mindset of Japan. And if you need more examples, Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, has great references to deepen your learning.

Meaning and origin of 個性

個性 is composed of two kanjis: 個 (ko), which means "individual" or "unit", and 性 (sei), which can be translated as "nature" or "characteristic". Together, they form the idea of "individuality" or "unique personality". Unlike words like 性格 (seikaku, "character"), 個性 highlights what makes someone or something singular, not just general behavioral traits.

The origin of the term dates back to the Meiji period (1868-1912), when Japan was undergoing intense westernization. Philosophies that valued the individual gained prominence, and 個性 emerged to express this concept. Before that, Japanese society tended to prioritize the collective, but the word reflects a cultural shift that still influences discussions about education and creativity in the country today.

Cultural usage and frequency in Japan

In contemporary Japan, 個性 is often used in contexts that encourage personal expression, such as in schools ("個性を伸ばす", "developing individuality") or in the corporate world. Companies promote slogans like 個性を活かす (utilizing uniqueness) to emphasize the importance of unique skills in teams. However, there is a delicate balance: valuing 個性 without disrespecting group harmony (和, wa) is essential.

Interestingly, linguistic research shows that 個性 appears more frequently in discussions about education and art than in informal conversations. A study from the University of Tokyo found that the word is used 30% more often in academic articles than in novels, for example. This does not mean it is rare in everyday use – it simply indicates that its usage reflects specific contexts where individuality is a central theme.

How to memorize and use 個性 correctly

To fixate on 個性, an effective tip is to associate the first kanji (個) with words like 個人 (kojin, "individual") and the second (性) with terms like 性質 (seishitsu, "nature"). This decomposition helps to understand the logic behind the meaning. Another strategy is to create sentences like "彼の個性はユーモアだ" (his individuality is humor), which exemplify its natural use in dialogues.

Avoid confusing 個性 with 特徴 (tokuchou, "characteristic"). While the former speaks of someone's unique essence, the latter describes objective attributes – like "features of a product." Also, pay attention to the tone: saying "あなたは個性がない" ("you have no individuality") sounds extremely rude, as 個性 is tied to self-expression and personal identity in Japan.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 個性 (kosei) - Personality; individual characteristics.
• 個人的な特徴 (kojin-teki na tokuchō) - Personal characteristics; traits that define an individual.
• 特色 (tokushoku) - Distinctive attributes; qualities that make something unique.
• 特徴的な個性 (tokuchō-teki na kosei) - Characteristic personality; individuality that stands out.
• 独自性 (dokuji-sei) - Originality; the quality of being unique on its own.
• 独創性 (dokusō-sei) - Creativity; the ability to create something new and original.
• 個人個人の特徴 (kojin kojin no tokuchō) - Characteristics of each individual; traits that vary among people.

個性

Romaji: kosei
Kana: こせい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: individuality; personality; idiosyncrasy

Meaning in English: individuality;personality;idiosyncrasy

Definition: The unique characteristics and individuality of an individual.

Example Sentences - (個性) kosei

See below some example sentences:

個性を大切にしましょう。

Kosei wo taisetsu ni shimashou

Let's value the personality.

• 個性 - means "individuality" or "personality".
• を - direct object particle.
• 大切 - It means "important" or "valuable".
• に - particle indicating destination or goal.
• しましょう - polite form of the verb "to do" in the imperative, indicating a suggestion or request to do something.