Translation and Meaning of: 自分 - jibun

The Japanese word 自分 [じぶん] is a common term in everyday life, but it carries interesting nuances worth exploring. If you are learning Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding its meaning, usage, and cultural context can be quite helpful. In this article, we will dive into the details of this word, from its translation to how it is perceived by native speakers.

In addition to meaning "myself" or "oneself," 自分 also appears in expressions and situations that reveal aspects of the Japanese mindset. Whether in informal conversations or in more serious contexts, understanding this word helps to better comprehend the language and culture. Let's start with the basics and then explore curiosities and practical tips for using 自分 correctly.

Meaning and translation of 自分

In its most direct form, 自分 can be translated as "myself," "oneself," or even "own." Unlike 私 [わたし], which is a more neutral pronoun for "I," 自分 has a more reflective tone. It is often used when someone is referring to themselves in an objective manner, almost as if they are looking from the outside.

An interesting detail is that 自分 can also be used to refer to other people in certain contexts, especially in regional dialects. For example, in Kansai, it is common to hear 自分 used as "you" in informal situations. This flexibility shows how the word can vary depending on the region and social context.

Everyday use and practical examples

自分 often appears in sentences that express responsibility or self-evaluation. A classic example is 自分で決める (jibun de kimeru), which means "decide for oneself." This construction is useful for emphasizing personal autonomy, something valued in Japanese culture, especially in educational and professional contexts.

Another common use is in expressions like 自分のこと (jibun no koto), which can be translated as "one's own things" or "personal matters." This phrase is often used in advice or reflections, such as in 自分のことをまず考えなさい (think about yourself first). Here, the word emphasizes the idea of self-care and individuality.

Cultural curiosities and memorization tips

A curiosity about 自分 is its relationship with Japanese values such as 自己責任 (jiko sekinin), which means "personal responsibility." This connection shows how the word is linked to larger concepts in Japanese society, where autonomy and self-sufficiency are often emphasized.

To memorize 自分 more easily, one tip is to associate it with situations where you are reflecting on your actions. For example, think of phrases like 自分に嘘をつかない (not lying to yourself) or 自分を信じる (believing in yourself). These examples help to reinforce not only the meaning but also the reflective tone of the word.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 自己 (jiko) - The "I," referring to oneself, relates to one's own identity.
• 自身 (jishin) - Auto, the individual itself, emphasizes personal confidence or skill.
• 本人 (honin) - The person in question, used to refer directly to the individual.
• 己 (on) - I, myself, generally in a more philosophical or reflective context.
• 我が身 (waga mi) - My body, often used to emphasize belonging or personal identification.

自分

Romaji: jibun
Kana: じぶん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: myself; To yourself

Meaning in English: myself;oneself

Definition: Self: An expression that denotes an individual existence as distinct from others.

Example Sentences - (自分) jibun

See below some example sentences:

人生を導く道は自分で決めるものだ。

Jinsei wo michibiku michi wa jibun de kimeru mono da

The way to lead life is to decide on your own.

• 人生 - Life
• を - object particle
• 導く - Guide
• 道 - Path
• は - Topic particle
• 自分 - Yourself
• で - Location particle
• 決める - Decide
• もの - Thing
• だ - Completion particle

嫉妬は自分自身を苦しめるだけだ。

Shitto wa jibun jishin o kurushimeru dake da

Jealousy just grieves.

• 嫉妬 (shitto) - envy
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 自分自身 (jibun jishin) - To yourself
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 苦しめる (kurushimeru) - cause suffering
• だけ (dake) - Only
• だ (da) - verb to be in the present

彼は自分の部屋にランプを吊るした。

Kare wa jibun no heya ni ranpu o tsuru shita

He hung a lamp in his room.

• 彼 (kare) - he (personal pronoun)
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 自分 (jibun) - Yourself
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 部屋 (heya) - Room, living room
• に (ni) - Location particle
• ランプ (ranpu) - lamp
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 吊るす (tsurusu) - to hang
• た (ta) - past form of the verb

彼は自分の能力を強めるために毎日練習している。

Kare wa jibun no nouryoku o tsuyomeru tame ni mainichi renshuu shite iru

He practices every day to strengthen his skills.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "he".
• 自分 - Japanese pronoun meaning "oneself"
• の - Japanese particle indicating possession, in this case "your"
• 能力 - Japanese noun meaning "skill" or "ability"
• を - Japanese particle indicating the direct object of the sentence, in this case "skill"
• 強める - Japanese verb meaning "to strengthen" or "to increase"
• ために - Japanese expression meaning "for" or "with the aim of"
• 毎日 - Japanese adverb meaning "every day"
• 練習 - Japanese noun meaning "training" or "practice"
• している - continuous form of the Japanese verb "する", which means "to do"

彼は自分の信念を貫いた。

Kare wa jibun no shinnen o tsuranuita

He followed his belief.

He pierced their beliefs.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 自分 - Japanese pronoun meaning "oneself"
• の - Japanese particle indicating possession or attribution
• 信念 - Japanese noun meaning "belief" or "conviction"
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 貫いた - Japanese verb in the past meaning "persevered" or "maintained"

彼女は自分の感情を制することができる。

Kanojo wa jibun no kanjou o seisuru koto ga dekiru

She can control her emotions.

She can control her emotions.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 自分 (jibun) - yourself
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 感情 (kanjou) - emotion
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 制する (seisuru) - to control
• ことができる (koto ga dekiru) - Be able to

彼女は自分の声を弱めた。

Kanojo wa jibun no koe o yowameta

She lowered her voice.

She weakened her voice.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 自分 (jibun) - yourself
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 声 (koe) - voice
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 弱めた (yowameta) - weakened

彼女は自分の秘密を暴露した。

Kanojo wa jibun no himitsu o bōro shita

She revealed her secret.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 自分 (jibun) - yourself
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 秘密 (himitsu) - secret
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 暴露した (bakuro shita) - revealed/exposed

彼女は自分の能力に傲っている。

Kanojo wa jibun no nouryoku ni ogorotte iru

She is proud of her abilities.

She is arrogant in her abilities.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 自分 (jibun) - Yourself
• の (no) - Particle that indicates possession
• 能力 (nouryoku) - Skill, capacity
• に (ni) - particle that indicates action or destination
• 傲っている (hokotteiru) - be proud, arrogant

彼女は自分の能力を現すことができた。

Kanojo wa jibun no nouryoku wo arawasu koto ga dekita

She was able to show her skills.

• 彼女 - she
• は - Topic particle
• 自分 - yourself
• の - Possessive particle
• 能力 - Skill, capacity
• を - direct object particle
• 現す - show, demonstrate
• こと - verb noun
• が - subject particle
• できた - be able to, achieve