Translation guide
The quality of putting others before oneself, often valued in Japanese culture. This guide covers natural ways to express selfless actions, attitudes, and the ideal of selflessness.
Describing an act or mindset that prioritizes others over oneself, without seeking personal gain.
Literally 'no self', this is a formal term for selflessness, often used in philosophical or ethical contexts.
I was moved by his selfless actions.
A compound meaning 'self-sacrificing devotion to public duty'. It implies complete dedication to a cause or organization, often used in historical or corporate contexts.
Work with a spirit of selfless devotion.
Means 'sacrificing oneself'. A common way to describe selfless acts, emphasizing personal sacrifice.
He helped people by sacrificing himself.
Adjectival form meaning 'altruistic'. Used to describe behavior or personality.
Altruistic behavior is appreciated.
Referring to the concept of selflessness as a spiritual or philosophical ideal, especially in Buddhism.
Expressing dedication to serving others without personal desire, often in a professional or caregiving context.
Casual ways to say someone is selfless or puts others before themselves.
Literally 'prioritize others over oneself'. A straightforward, natural phrase.
He always puts others before himself.
Means 'think about others more than oneself'. A colloquial way to describe a selfless person.
While 無私 (mushi) is a direct translation, it is formal and less common in everyday speech. For casual contexts, use phrases like 自分より他人を優先する (jibun yori tanin o yūsen suru) or 献身的な (kenshinteki na) to sound more natural.
無私 (mushi) refers to selflessness in ethical or social contexts, while 無我 (muga) is a Buddhist term for the absence of a permanent self. Do not confuse them in non-religious settings.
Dance in a state of self-oblivion.
Volunteer with a spirit of service.
She's the type who thinks about others more than herself.