Translation guide
English 'herself' is a reflexive pronoun used for emphasis or to indicate that the subject acts on herself. Japanese often omits explicit reflexive pronouns, relying on context, or uses specific words for 'self' and 'by oneself'. The translation depends on the function: reflexive action, emphasis, or 'by herself' (alone/unaided).
Express that a female subject performs an action on herself (e.g., she hurt herself, she looked at herself).
In Japanese, reflexive actions are often implied by the verb and context without a separate word for 'herself'. For example, 'She looked at herself in the mirror' becomes '彼女は鏡を見た' (literally 'She saw the mirror'), where the reflexive meaning is understood.
She looked at herself in the mirror.
She hurt herself.
The word 自分 (jibun) means 'self' and can be used for any person. When the subject is clear, 自分 refers back to her. Use 自分を (jibun o) for direct object.
自身 (jishin) is a more formal or emphatic word for 'self', often used in written language or to stress 'her own self'.
Emphasize that the female subject personally did something, not someone else.
Express that she did something alone or without assistance.
一人で (hitori de) means 'alone' or 'by oneself'. It is the most natural way to say she did something by herself (without company).
Express that she thought or said something to herself without speaking aloud.
心の中で (kokoro no naka de) means 'in her heart/mind', used for thinking to herself.
English reflexive pronouns are often unnecessary in Japanese. For example, 'She washed herself' is simply 彼女は体を洗った (She washed her body) or 彼女はシャワーを浴びた (She took a shower). Adding 自分を is often redundant and unnatural.
一人で (hitori de) means 'alone' (no one else present), while 自分で (jibun de) means 'by oneself' (without help). Use 一人で for physical solitude, 自分で for independent action.
She is proud of herself.
She blamed herself.
She talked about herself.
She defended herself.
自分自身 (jibun jishin) is a common way to emphasize 'herself' as in 'she herself'. It can be used as a subject or adverbially.
She herself did it.
She decided for herself.
本人 (honnin) means 'the person herself' and is used to refer to the individual in question, often in formal or official contexts.
She herself came. (The person in question came.)
彼女自身 (kanojo jishin) directly translates to 'she herself'. It is clear and emphatic.
She herself said so.
She lives by herself.
She watched a movie by herself.
自分で (jibun de) means 'by oneself' in the sense of 'without help'. It emphasizes that she did it on her own.
She cooked by herself (without help).
She solved the problem by herself.
独力で (dokuryoku de) means 'by one's own power/effort', a more formal or literary way to say 'by herself'.
She started the company by herself.
She laughed to herself.
独り言を言う (hitorigoto o iu) means 'to talk to oneself', often aloud but quietly.
She said to herself.
She bought herself a new dress.
Reflexive indirect object often uses 自分のために
She looked at herself in the mirror.