自我

• Reading: じが
• Romaji: jiga
• Kanji breakdown: 自 (ji/shi) — self; 我 (ga/ware) — I, ego
• Pronunciation: /dʑi.ɡa/

Meaning

Ego; the self; one's sense of individual identity.

A philosophical and psychological term referring to the conscious self or ego. Used in both academic contexts (Freudian psychology, philosophy) and everyday language to describe someone's sense of self. Common expressions include 自我が芽生える (ego awakens), 自我が強い (strong ego), and 自我に目覚める (to become self-aware).

Examples

1. 思春期は自我が芽生える大切な時期だ。 Adolescence is an important period when the ego begins to emerge.
2. 強い自我を持つことは大切だが協調性も必要だ。 Having a strong sense of self is important, but so is cooperation.
3. 彼は自我の強い人で自分の意見を曲げない。 He is a person with a strong ego and never backs down from his opinions.

Usage Guide

Context: psychology, child development, philosophy

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 自 (ji, self) + 我 (ga, I/ego). Both kanji refer to the self, creating an emphatic term for personal identity. Influenced by Western philosophical concepts of the ego when adopted into modern Japanese psychology.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal