我々

• Reading: われわれ
• Romaji: wareware
• Kanji breakdown: 我 (ware) — I, self; 々 — repetition mark
• Pronunciation: /wa.ɾe.wa.ɾe/

Meaning

We; us. A formal first-person plural pronoun.

A pronoun that is more formal and emphatic than 私たち (watashi-tachi). Often used in speeches, official statements, essays, and news commentary. Carries a sense of collective identity and can sound authoritative or solemn. Less common in casual conversation where 私たち or 僕たち are preferred.

Examples

1. 我々はこの問題を解決しなければならない。 We must solve this problem.
2. 我々の世代が責任を持つべきだ。 Our generation should take responsibility.
3. 我々にとって最も大切なのは安全だ。 What matters most to us is safety.

Usage Guide

Context: speeches, essays, official statements

Tone: authoritative

Origin & History

Composed of 我 (I, self) reduplicated as 我々 to indicate plural. The kanji 我 depicts a hand holding a weapon, originally meaning 'self' in the sense of self-defence.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal