Translation guide
The concept of 'identity' in English covers personal identity (who you are), social identity (group belonging), and abstract identity (sameness). Japanese uses different words depending on the nuance.
Expressing one's sense of self, individuality, or personal character.
Loanword from English, widely used in psychology, sociology, and everyday conversation to mean personal identity or sense of self.
I want to find my identity.
Formal psychological term for self-identity or ego identity. Used in academic contexts.
Adolescence is an important period for establishing self-identity.
Natural expression meaning 'one's true self' or 'being oneself'. Used when talking about personal identity in a more casual, everyday sense.
I want to value my identity (being true to myself).
Means 'individuality' or 'personality'. Often used when identity is about unique personal traits.
He has a strong identity (individuality).
Expressing identity in terms of ethnicity, nationality, gender, or group membership.
Also used for social identity, e.g., cultural identity, gender identity.
Cultural identity is important.
Sense of belonging. Used when identity is about feeling part of a group.
Ethnic identity. Used in discussions of ethnicity.
Expressing that two things are the same or identical.
Referring to the act of recognizing or mistaking someone's identity.
アイデンティティ is a direct loanword and sounds more abstract or academic. 自分らしさ is a native Japanese expression that feels warmer and more personal. Use 自分らしさ when talking about being true to yourself in daily life.
I don't want to lose my identity (sense of self).
English 'identity' is often used in phrases like 'identity crisis' or 'brand identity'. In Japanese, these are usually expressed with アイデンティティ (e.g., アイデンティティの危機) or specific terms like ブランドイメージ (brand image). Avoid using 同一性 for personal identity; it sounds unnatural.
He is struggling with his identity.
The identity of the victim has not been released.
He has a strong sense of identity with the company.
民族性を守ることは難しい。
Preserving ethnic identity is difficult.
それらは同一のものだ。
They are identical.
Identity verification, often used in official contexts like police or security.
The police conducted an identity check.