What is the Kanji for "Self"?

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for "Self", you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for "Self" is "自".

This kanji has 3 readings:

Its kunyomi reading is "Mizuka".

Its onyomi readings are "Ji" and "Shi".

kunyomi readings are based on the pronunciation of native Japanese words, and onyomi readings are based on the Chinese pronunciation of the character.

If you visually breakdown this kanji, you can see is made up of 2 parts:

The kanji "目" means "Eye" and can be read as "Me" and "Moku". And The radical "丿" means "Katakana no" .

Now, let's make sure you understand this kanji the other way around too.

What does the kanji "自" mean in japanese?

"自" means "Self".

Japanese School Students learn this kanji in Second Grade, while foreigners may learn this kanji in preparation for the JLPT N4 exam.

Here are some words that use this kanji:

自分: "Self". The Japanese noun '自分 (じぶん)' means 'self'. It is used to refer to oneself, the speaker, or the subject of a sentence. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as expressing one's own opinion, describing one's own actions, or referring to oneself in the third person. For example: I went to the store - (自分は店に行きました). She thinks only about herself - (彼女は自分のことばかり考えています).

自転車: "Bicycle". The noun '自転車 (じてんしゃ)' refers to a two-wheeled vehicle powered by the rider pedaling. Bicycles are a common mode of transportation in many countries and can be used for commuting, exercise, or recreation. For example: I ride my bicycle to work every day - (私は毎日自転車で仕事に行きます). The family went for a bicycle ride in the park - (家族は公園でサイクリングをしました).

自身: "Self" or "Oneself". The Japanese noun '自身 (じしん)' can be translated as 'self' or 'oneself'. It refers to one's own person, character, or identity. This word is often used to emphasize one's own role, responsibility, or perspective in a situation. For example: I will do it myself - (自身で行います). She believes in herself - (自身を信じている).

自己: "Self". The Japanese noun '自己 (じこ)' means 'self'. It refers to one's own person, individuality, or identity. It can be used to describe personal characteristics, thoughts, and actions. For example: I need to focus on my self-improvement - (自己 (じこ) の改善に力を入れる必要がある). Knowing oneself is important - (自己 (じこ) を知ることは大切である).

自動: "Automatic" or "Self-acting". The Japanese noun '自動 (じどう)' means 'automatic' or 'self-acting'. It describes something that operates or functions independently, without direct human control. This word is often used to describe mechanical or electronic devices that can work on their own, such as automatic doors or self-driving cars. Examples: Automatic doors - (自動ドア), Self-operating machine - (自動機械)

自体: "Substance". The Japanese noun '自体 (じたい)' means 'substance'. It is used to refer to the fundamental nature or essence of something, often in a philosophical or abstract context. It can be used to describe the inherent or intrinsic properties of an object or concept. For example: The very substance of the problem - (問題の自体). The substance of his argument - (彼の議論の自体).

自動車: "Car". The Japanese noun '自動車 (じどうしゃ)' means 'car'. It refers to a motor vehicle, typically with four wheels, that is powered by an engine and used to transport passengers. Cars are a common mode of transportation in Japan and worldwide. For example: I went to the store by car - (車で店に行きました). Let's go for a drive in my new car - (新しい車に乗って出かけましょう).

自然: "Nature". The Japanese adjectival noun '自然 (しぜん)' means 'nature'. It refers to the physical world, including plants, animals, and landscapes, that is not made or influenced by humans. This word is often used to describe things that are natural, organic, and unaffected by human activity. For example: The beauty of nature - (自然の美しさ). Let's go back to nature - (自然に帰ろう).

自習: "Self-study". The Japanese verbal noun '自習 (じしゅう)' means 'self-study'. It refers to the act of studying or learning on one's own, without the guidance of a teacher or instructor. This is a common practice in Japanese educational settings, where students are expected to take initiative in their own learning. For example: I do self-study every evening - (私は毎晩自習しています). Self-study is important for improving your skills - (自習は技術を向上させるために重要です).

自由: "Freedom" or "Liberty". The Japanese word '自由 (じゆう)' is an adjectival noun that primarily means 'freedom' or 'liberty'. It refers to the state of being free from confinement, oppression, or the control of others, and the ability to act and live as one chooses. The word is frequently used in compound terms such as '自由民主主義 (じゆうみんしゅしゅぎ)' (liberal democracy) and '自由研究 (じゆうけんきゅう)' (free study). Example sentences: I want more freedom in my life - (私はもっと自由が欲しい). This country values freedom and liberty - (この国は自由を大切にしている).

自治: "Autonomy". The noun '自治 (じち)' means 'autonomy'. It refers to the ability or right of a group or organization to govern itself and make its own decisions independently, without external control or interference. '自治' is often used to describe the self-governing status of regions, municipalities, or organizations within a larger political structure. For example: The city has a high degree of autonomy - (その街は高い自治権を持っている). The university has autonomy in academic matters - (その大学は学術面で自治権を持っている).

自信: "Confidence". The noun '自信 (じしん)' means 'confidence'. This word refers to a feeling of self-assurance and belief in one's own abilities or qualities. It is often used to describe a positive state of mind where someone feels capable and sure of themselves. For example: She has a lot of confidence - (彼女は自信が強い). I need more confidence to succeed - (成功するにはもっと自信が必要だ).

自炊: "Cook". The Japanese verbal noun '自炊 (じすい)' means 'to cook for oneself'. This refers to the act of preparing and cooking one's own meals at home, rather than eating out or relying on pre-made or delivered food. It implies a sense of self-reliance and independence. Examples: I cook my own meals at home - (私は自分で食事を作る). She enjoys the self-cooking lifestyle - (彼女は自炊の生活を楽しんでいる).

自宅: "Home". The Japanese noun '自宅 (じたく)' means 'home'. This word refers to one's own private residence, the place where one lives. It can be used to describe one's house, apartment, or any other personal living space. For example: I am going home - (自宅に帰る). My home is cozy - (私の自宅はくつろげる).

自転: "Revolution". The noun '自転 (じてん)' refers to the revolution or rotation of an object around its own axis. This term is commonly used when discussing the rotation of celestial bodies like planets, moons, or stars. For example: The Earth rotates on its own axis, completing one revolution every 24 hours - (地球は自転して1日で1回転する).

独自: "Unique". The adjectival noun '独自 (どくじ)' means 'unique'. It refers to something that is one-of-a-kind, distinct, or characteristic of a particular person, group, or thing. This word emphasizes that an item, quality, or characteristic is not shared or common, but rather stands apart from others. For example: This design has a unique style - (この デザインは独自の スタイルがある). Our company has a unique approach to customer service - (弊社はお客様サービスに独自のアプローチを持っている).

自覚: "Awareness". The noun '自覚 (じかく)' means 'awareness'. It refers to the state of being conscious or aware of one's surroundings, actions, and inner thoughts and feelings. It implies a deep understanding and acknowledgment of one's own existence, capabilities, and responsibilities. For example: She gained greater self-awareness through meditation - (瞑想を通して、彼女は自分自身への自覚をより深めた). It's important to have self-awareness to make good decisions - (良い判断をするには自覚が大切だ).

各自: "Each". The Japanese noun '各自 (かくじ)' means 'each'. This word is used to refer to individual people or things within a group. It implies that something applies to every member of the group separately, rather than collectively. For example: Each student must complete the assignment - (各自が課題を完成させなければなりません). Everyone should bring their own lunch - (各自ランチを持参してください).

自然に: "Naturally". The adverb '自然に (しぜんに)' means 'naturally'. It describes something that occurs or happens in a natural, easy, or spontaneous manner, without effort or artificiality. It can be used to describe actions, behaviors, or the way something develops or unfolds. For example: She smiled naturally - (彼女は自然に笑った). The flowers grew naturally - (花は自然に育った).

自立: "Independence". The noun '自立 (じりつ)' means 'independence'. It refers to the ability to function or live without the support or help of others. It can describe someone or something being self-sufficient, autonomous, or self-reliant. For example: He gained his independence at a young age - (彼は若い時期に自立した). The country achieved independence after many years of foreign rule - (その国は長年の外国支配の後に自立を達成した).

自主的: "Voluntary". The Japanese adjective '自主的 (じしゅてき)' means 'voluntary'. This adjective describes something that is done of one's own free will, without coercion or obligation. It suggests an independent and self-directed nature. For example: I made this decision voluntarily - (私はこの決断を自主的に下した). He volunteered for the project in a voluntary manner - (彼はこのプロジェクトに自主的に参加した).

自衛: "Self-defense". The noun '自衛 (じえい)' means 'self-defense'. This noun refers to the act of protecting oneself from harm or attack. It can be used to describe actions taken to safeguard one's own interests, security, or well-being. For example: The soldier used self-defense to protect himself - (その兵士は自身を守るために自衛した). Self-defense is important in dangerous situations - (危険な状況では自衛が重要である).

自然科学: "Natural sciences". The Japanese word '自然科学 (しぜんかがく)' refers to the 'natural sciences', a branch of science that deals with the study of the physical world and its phenomena, such as physics, chemistry, biology, and astronomy. This term is used to distinguish these fields from the social sciences or humanities. For example: She is majoring in the natural sciences - (彼女は自然科学を専攻しています).

自殺: "Suicide". The verbal noun '自殺 (じさつ)' refers to the act of taking one's own life intentionally. This can be an extremely serious and sensitive topic as it involves complex emotional, mental health, and societal issues. It is important to approach discussions around suicide with care, empathy and understanding. Examples: She committed suicide - (彼女は自殺した). The rate of suicide among young people is alarming - (若者の自殺率は警戒すべき水準にある).

自衛隊: "Self-defense forces". The Japanese noun '自衛隊 (じえいたい)' refers to Japan's military forces, which are tasked with defending the country and its interests. The '自衛隊' is a constitutionally-limited military force that is not allowed to engage in offensive operations. It consists of the Ground Self-Defense Force, the Maritime Self-Defense Force, and the Air Self-Defense Force. For example: The self-defense forces were mobilized to provide aid after the disaster - (自衛隊が災害後の救援活動に動員された).

自主: "Independence". The Japanese noun '自主 (じしゅ)' means 'independence'. This term refers to the ability to act or function without external control or influence. It suggests self-governance, self-reliance and the freedom to make one's own decisions. For example: He studied abroad to gain more independence - (彼は自主性を身につけるために留学しました). The company operates with a high degree of independence from the parent corporation - (その会社は親会社から大きな自主性を持って運営されている).

自慢: "Boast". The verbal noun '自慢 (じまん)' means 'boast'. It refers to expressing pride or talking about one's own achievements, talents, or possessions in an arrogant or self-congratulatory way. It can have a negative nuance of being overly proud or boastful. For example: Don't boast about your new car - (新しい車のことは自慢しないでください). He is always boasting about his exam scores - (彼はいつも試験の点数を自慢している).

自我: "Self" or "Ego". The noun '自我 (じが)' refers to one's sense of self or personal identity. It encompasses an individual's thoughts, feelings, and beliefs about themselves. The concept of '自我' is central to many philosophical and psychological theories, particularly in the field of psychoanalysis. For example: I am trying to understand my own self - (私は自我を理解しようと努めている). The patient's ego was damaged by the traumatic experience - (患者の自我は心的外傷により傷つけられた).

自ら: "Oneself". The adverb '自ら (みずから)' means 'oneself'. It is used to emphasize that something is done by the subject themselves, without the help of others. It can be used to describe actions, decisions, or other activities that are initiated and carried out by the person themselves. For example: She chose the gift herself - (彼女は自らプレゼントを選んだ). I will cook the meal myself - (私は自ら夕食を作る).

不自然: "Unnatural". The Japanese adjectival noun '不自然 (ふしぜん)' means 'unnatural'. This word describes something that is not natural or in accordance with the normal course of things. It can be used to describe physical appearances, behaviors, situations or events that seem out of the ordinary. For example: That makeup looks very unnatural - (あのメイクはとても不自然だ). The situation feels unnatural - (その状況は不自然に感じられる).

不自由: "Difficulty". The Japanese verbal noun '不自由 (ふじゆう)' means 'difficulty'. This word expresses a state of being limited, constrained, or lacking in freedom. It can refer to physical disabilities, social or situational restrictions, or any kind of impediment. For example: I have difficulty walking - (私は歩くのに不自由がある). She lives with physical disabilities - (彼女は身体的な不自由を抱えて生活している).

自国: "Own country". The Japanese noun '自国(じこく)' means 'one's own country'. It refers to the country that a person or organization belongs to or is associated with. This term is often used in the context of international relations, where countries may have different interests and perspectives based on their national identity and background. For example: I love my own country - (私は自国が大好きです). Our company aims to expand into foreign markets, not just our own country - (私たちの会社は自国だけでなく、海外市場への進出を目指しています).

自社: "Own company". The Japanese noun '自社 (じしゃ)' means 'own company'. This term refers to a business or organization that one works for or owns. It is used to distinguish one's own company from other companies or competitors. For example: I work at my own company - (私は自社で働いています). Our own company is growing rapidly - (我々の自社は急速に成長しています).

To make really sure you learn this Kanji, I've prepared an interactive lesson for you. You are going to learn the readings and meanings of this kanji.

But first, you need to know a little bit about Hiragana and Katakana.

Hiragana and katakana are japanese syllabaries, this means that each character represents a syllable.

This are the characters you need to know for this lesson:

The hiragana "じ" is read as "ji". The hiragana "し" is read as "shi". The hiragana "み" is read as "mi". The hiragana "ず" is read as "zu". And The hiragana "か" is read as "ka".

Heres a quick tutorial on how to use it. You'll be asked three type of questions: meaning, reading, and writing.

For meanings questions all you have to do is type the english meaning. If there is more than one meaning, you have to include them all in your answer separating them by commas (,).

For Reading questions you have to type the reading in romaji (roman letters, our normal alphabet) and it'll be automatically converted to hiragana if necessary. If there is more than one reading, you have to include them all in your answer separating them by commas (,).

For Writing questions some options will appear and all you have to do is select the correct ones.