自他

• Reading: じた
• Romaji: jita
• Kanji breakdown: 自 (ji/mizuka) — self; 他 (ta/hoka) — other, another
• Pronunciation: /d͡ʑita/

Meaning

Self and others; both parties; oneself and other people.

A formal noun pairing self (自) with others (他). Used in philosophical, ethical, or psychological contexts to discuss the relationship between the individual and others. Also appears in 自他ともに認める (acknowledged by both oneself and others) to mean universally acknowledged.

Examples

1. 自他の境界線を意識することは精神的健康に重要だ。 Being aware of the boundary between oneself and others is important for mental wellbeing.
2. 彼女は自他ともに認める努力家だ。 She is a hard worker acknowledged by both herself and those around her.
3. 自他の利益を同時に追求する姿勢が求められる。 An attitude of pursuing the interests of both oneself and others simultaneously is called for.

Usage Guide

Context: philosophy, ethics, psychology, formal writing

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 自 (self) and 他 (other). A direct pairing common in Classical Chinese-influenced Japanese formal prose.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated