自業自得

• Reading: じごうじとく
• Romaji: jigōjitoku
• Kanji breakdown: 自 (ji) — self; 業 (gō/waza) — deed, karma; 得 (toku/e) — to receive, gain
• Pronunciation: /d͡ʑiɡoːd͡ʑito̞kɯ̟/

Meaning

Reaping what one sows; suffering the consequences of one's own actions. You brought it on yourself.

A four-character compound (四字熟語) originally from Buddhist thought, meaning one's karma comes from one's own deeds. In modern usage, it expresses that someone is suffering consequences that are entirely their own fault. Can be used sympathetically or critically depending on context.

Examples

1. 準備を怠ったせいで失敗したのは自業自得だ。 Failing because he neglected his preparation is entirely his own doing.
2. 約束を破り続けた結果、誰にも信用されなくなったのは自業自得である。 Losing everyone's trust after repeatedly breaking promises is a consequence of his own making.
3. 自業自得とはわかっていても、彼を責める気にはなれなかった。 Even knowing it was his own fault, I couldn't bring myself to blame him.

Usage Guide

Context: moral judgement, everyday speech, criticism

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Buddhist term: 自 (self) + 業 (karma, deed) + 自 (self) + 得 (to receive). One receives the fruits of one's own deeds — a core principle of karmic justice in Buddhism.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal