Japanese word

自我

Pronunciation

Romajijiga

Meaning

  • nounego

Example

彼は自我が強いです。kare wa ji ga ga tsuyo i de su

He has a strong ego.

Illustration for 自我 (ego)

More examples

大きな成功を収めても、彼女は自我をむき出しにしません。ō ki na sei kō o osa me te mo kano jo wa ji ga o mu ki da shi ni shi ma se n

Even after achieving great success, she keeps her ego in check.

Core concept

Refers to the awareness of oneself as a distinct person and the personal claims that arise from it.

Common phrases

  • 自我に目覚めるji ga ni me za me ru

    become aware of oneself

  • 自我が芽生えるji ga ga me ba e ru

    develop a sense of self

  • 自我を抑えるji ga o osa e ru

    restrain one's ego

Similar words

自己意識jikoishiki: A person's awareness of their own identity, thoughts, and position in relation to others.
自意識jiishiki: Awareness of oneself that can involve concern about one's appearance or behavior.
エゴego: A person's sense of self, especially when it appears as excessive pride or self-importance.

Definition in Japanese

自分自身を他者から区別して意識する心や、その意識に基づく自己主張。ji bun ji shin o ta sha ka ra ku betsu shi te i shiki su ru kokoro ya so no i shiki ni moto zu ku ji ko shu chō

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese term combines 自 (ji, "self") and 我 (ga, "self"), forming a word for the self recognized as an individual.

Usage tips

  • In everyday English, ego often suggests excessive self-importance, whereas Japanese 自我 (jiga) can neutrally mean a person's sense of self.

Opposites

  • 無我mugaselflessnessnoun

Related words

  • 自我的jigatekiegoisticna-adjective

Word lists with this word