Translation guide
The English word "autobiography" refers to a person's life story written by that person. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 自伝 (jiden), but there are several related terms with nuanced differences in formality, style, and usage. This guide helps you choose the right word depending on context.
A book or account of one's own life, written by oneself.
The standard, neutral term for an autobiography. Suitable for most contexts.
彼は自伝を出版した。
He published his autobiography.
その自伝はベストセラーになった。
That autobiography became a bestseller.
A slightly more formal or literary term for autobiography. Often used in titles or academic contexts.
彼の自叙伝は文学賞を受賞した。
His autobiography won a literary prize.
Literally 'autobiographical work'. Used for novels or films that are heavily based on the author's own life but presented as fiction.
この小説は自伝的作品だ。
This novel is an autobiographical work.
A less formal, often more reflective account of personal experiences, not necessarily covering an entire life.
Memoir or reminiscences. Focuses on specific periods or themes rather than a full life story.
彼女は戦争の回想録を書いた。
She wrote a memoir about the war.
A personal history, often written by ordinary people for family or local publication. Less formal than 自伝.
A shorter written piece about one's own life, such as a school assignment or magazine article.
An autobiographical essay. Commonly used for school assignments or personal writing.
授業で自伝的エッセイを書いた。
I wrote an autobiographical essay for class.
自伝 (jiden) is the most common and neutral word for autobiography. 自叙伝 (jijoden) is more formal and literary, often used in titles. 回想録 (kaisōroku) is closer to 'memoir', focusing on specific memories rather than a complete life story.
A biography written by someone else is 伝記 (denki), not 自伝. 自伝 always implies the author is the subject.
My grandmother compiled her personal history.