Japanese word

個性

Pronunciation

Romajikosei

Meaning

  • nounpersonality

Example

彼女は個性が強いです。kano jo wa ko sei ga tsuyo i de su

She has a strong personality.

Illustration for 個性 (personality)

More examples

服装で自分の個性を表すことができます。fuku sō de ji bun no ko sei o arawa su ko to ga de ki ma su

You can express your personality through your clothes.

Core concept

Centers on the distinctive character that makes a person or thing recognizable as itself.

Common phrases

  • 個性があるko sei ga a ru

    have personality

  • 個性が強いko sei ga tsuyo i

    have a strong personality

  • 個性を生かすko sei o i ka su

    make use of one's individuality

Similar words

特色tokushoku: The qualities and style that make a person or thing distinct from others.
性格seikaku: The usual way a person thinks, feels, and behaves.
人柄hitogara: A person's character as shown through behavior and relationships.

Definition in Japanese

人や物に備わる、ほかとは異なる固有の性質や特徴。hito ya mono ni sona wa ru ho ka to wa koto na ru ko yū no sei shitsu ya toku chō

Word origin

個 (ko, "individual") + 性 (sei, "nature or character") forms a word for the character that belongs to an individual.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 個性 (kosei) often describes a distinctive style or trait in a person, artist, or product.

Other meanings

  • individualitynoun

Opposites

  • 画一性kakuitsuseiuniformitynoun

Related words

Word lists with this word