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:

本人は自分自身を知ることが大切だ。

Honjin wa jibun jishin o shiru koto ga taisetsu da

It is important for a person to know themselves.

It is important for a person to know themselves.

• 本人 - means "myself" or "the person herself/himself".
• は - topic particle, which indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 自分自身 - means "oneself" or "the person themselves."
• を - direct object particle, which indicates the object of the action.
• 知る - verb that means "to know" or "to be aware".
• こと - noun that indicates an action or a fact.
• が - subject particle, which indicates who performs the action.
• 大切 - Adjective that means "important" or "valuable".
• だ - verb that indicates existence or identity.

私はまだ自分の人生の方向性を模索しています。

Watashi wa mada jibun no jinsei no hōkōsei o mosaku shite imasu

I'm still looking for the direction of my life.

I'm still looking for the direction of my life.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• まだ (mada) - adverb meaning "yet"
• 自分 (jibun) - reflexive pronoun meaning "myself"
• の (no) - possessive particle indicating a relationship of ownership
• 人生 (jinsei) - substantive that means "life"
• の (no) - connecting particle linking "life" with "方向性"
• 方向性 (hōkōsei) - noun meaning "direction" or "orientation"
• を (wo) - object particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 模索しています (mosaku shiteimasu) - compound verb meaning "to search" or "to explore"

私は自分自身を篭って考える時間が必要です。

Watashi wa jibun jishin o komotte kangaeru jikan ga hitsuyōdesu

I need time to collect myself and think.

I need time to think and think about myself.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 自分自身 (jibun jishin) - expression meaning "oneself"
• を (wo) - direct object particle that indicates the target of the action
• 篭って (kagotte) - gerund verb meaning "to be isolated"
• 考える (kangaeru) - verb meaning "to think"
• 時間 (jikan) - noun meaning "time"
• が (ga) - subject particle that indicates who performs the action
• 必要 (hitsuyou) - adjective meaning "necessary"
• です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the present tense and formality

私は自分の人生を変えることができます。

Watashi wa jibun no jinsei o kaeru koto ga dekimasu

I can change my own life.

I can change my life.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• 自分 (jibun) - Japanese reflexive pronoun that means "to oneself."
• の (no) - Japanese particle that indicates possession, in this case, "my".
• 人生 (jinsei) - 生活 (seikatsu)
• を (wo) - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case, "vida".
• 変える (kaeru) - Japanese verb that means "to change"
• こと (koto) - Japanese noun that indicates an action or event, in this case, "to change."
• が (ga) - Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• できます (dekimasu) - できる (dekiru)

私は自分の家具を造ることができます。

Watashi wa jibun no kagu o tsukuru koto ga dekimasu

I can make my own furniture.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 自分 (jibun) - reflexive pronoun meaning "myself"
• の (no) - possessive particle that indicates that something belongs to someone
• 家具 (kagu) - noun that means "furniture"
• を (wo) - direct object particle that indicates the target of the action
• 造る (tsukuru) - verb that means "to do" or "to build"
• こと (koto) - noun that indicates an action or event
• が (ga) - subject particle that indicates who performs the action
• できます (dekimasu) - verb meaning "to be able to" or "to be able to"

私は自分の立場を守ります。

Watashi wa jibun no tachiba o mamorimasu

I defend my position.

I will protect my position.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 自分 - Japanese reflexive pronoun that means "to oneself."
• の - possessive particle that indicates that "自分" belongs to "私"
• 立場 - Japanese noun that means "position" or "posture".
• を - object particle that indicates that "立場" is the direct object of the action
• 守ります - Japanese verb that means "to protect" or "to defend," conjugated in the present affirmative.

私は自分の過ちを認めます。

Watashi wa jibun no ayamachi o mitomemasu

I recognize my mistakes.

I admit my mistakes.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 自分 - reflexive pronoun that means "oneself"
• の - possessive particle indicating possession of something
• 過ち - noun meaning "error" or "failure"
• を - direct object particle that indicates the target of the action
• 認めます - Verb that means "recognize" or "admit"

私たちは自分たちの思考を局限することができます。

Watashitachi wa jibuntachi no shikō o kyokugen suru koto ga dekimasu

We can limit our thoughts.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 自分たちの - "Our own" in Japanese
• 思考を - "Thought" in Japanese
• 局限する - "Limit" in Japanese
• ことができます - "Can be done" in Japanese

私たちは自分たちの行動を改める必要がある。

Watashitachi wa jibuntachi no kōdō o aratameru hitsuyō ga aru

We need to change our actions.

• 私たちは - Personal pronoun "we"
• 自分たちの - Reflexive pronoun "our"
• 行動を - noun "comportamento"
• 改める - verb "change"
• 必要がある - expression "it is necessary"

私たちは常に自分自身を超えることができます。

Watashitachi wa tsuneni jibun jishin o koeru koto ga dekimasu

We can always go beyond ourselves.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 常に - Always in Japanese
• 自分自身を - Yourself in Japanese
• 超えることができます - We can overcome in Japanese