Translation guide
The mental picture or idea one has of oneself, including how one thinks others perceive them. In Japanese, this concept is often expressed through compound nouns, set phrases, or descriptive clauses rather than a single direct equivalent.
The overall conception or mental picture one has of oneself.
A direct loanword compound commonly used in psychology and everyday conversation. Neutral and widely understood.
He wants to change his self-image.
A more formal or academic term for self-image, often used in psychological contexts.
The formation of self-image is an important task in adolescence.
A more descriptive phrase meaning 'image of oneself'. Useful when you want to be explicit.
If your self-image is low, you can't have confidence.
A simpler, more casual phrase, but can be ambiguous without context. Often used in everyday speech.
I value my self-image.
The evaluative aspect of self-image, often related to confidence or self-respect.
The standard term for self-esteem or self-respect. Often used when self-image is tied to feelings of worth.
Low self-esteem affects relationships too.
A common phrase meaning 'to have confidence in oneself', often used when discussing positive self-image.
The image one projects to others or how one is perceived socially.
A technical term for interpersonal image, used in psychology.
Worrying too much about your public self-image is exhausting.
A natural, everyday way to express concern about one's public image. Literally 'how one is seen by others'.
Refers to one's public face, honor, or dignity. Often used in the context of saving face.
The image of the person one aspires to be.
The English word 'self-image' is often translated directly as 自己イメージ, but in many contexts, Japanese speakers prefer more specific terms like 自尊心 (self-esteem) or descriptive phrases like 人からどう見られているか (how one is seen by others). Using 自己イメージ in every case can sound unnatural or overly psychological.
When discussing self-image, consider whether you mean internal self-perception, self-worth, or social image. Japanese often distinguishes these more explicitly than English.
A modern term for self-affirmation or self-acceptance, often used in self-help and psychology.
Please tell me how to improve self-image/self-esteem.
She has confidence, so her self-image is high.
It's natural to care about your self-image (how others see you).
彼は体面を保つことに必死だ。
He is desperate to maintain his public self-image.