Translation guide
The act of examining one's own thoughts and feelings. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific terms and phrases that emphasize self-reflection, often with cultural nuances.
Expressing the act of looking inward to examine one's own thoughts, feelings, or motives.
The most direct translation for 'introspection', used in both everyday and formal contexts. It implies a calm, thoughtful examination of oneself.
内省の時間を持つことは大切だ。
It's important to have time for introspection.
彼は内省的な性格だ。
He has an introspective personality.
Often translated as 'reflection' or 'self-examination', but carries a stronger nuance of reviewing past actions, often with regret or a sense of needing improvement. Common in daily life and formal apologies.
While it can mean introspection, it often implies looking back at mistakes. For neutral self-examination, 内省 is better.
自分の行動を反省する。
I reflect on my actions.
反省文を書かされた。
I was made to write a letter of apology/reflection.
Literally 'self-analysis', used when introspection is systematic, like analyzing one's strengths and weaknesses, often in career or personal development contexts.
就活のために自己分析をする。
I do self-analysis for job hunting.
Referring to profound self-examination, often in philosophical, spiritual, or psychological contexts.
A term used in psychology and spiritual practices, meaning 'looking within' or 'insight'. It can refer to a specific method of self-reflection (Naikan therapy) or a deep, meditative introspection.
内観療法を受ける。
I undergo Naikan therapy.
瞑想を通じて内観を深める。
Deepen introspection through meditation.
A formal term for self-reflection or self-examination, often used in academic or philosophical writing.
哲学的な自己省察を行う。
Engage in philosophical self-reflection.
Casual or common expressions for thinking about one's own feelings or actions.
Literally 'to re-examine oneself', a common phrase for taking a step back to reflect on one's life, choices, or feelings.
たまには自分を見つめ直すことも必要だ。
Sometimes it's necessary to take a good look at yourself.
Means 'to face oneself', often used when confronting one's true feelings or inner self.
自己と向き合う時間が欲しい。
I want time to face myself.
内省 (naisei) is neutral self-examination, while 反省 (hansei) implies reviewing past actions, often with regret or a focus on improvement. Use 内省 for calm introspection and 反省 when acknowledging mistakes.
Avoid directly translating 'introspection' as 内省 in all contexts. In casual conversation, phrases like 自分を見つめ直す are more natural. 内省 can sound formal or literary.