Translation guide
In Japanese, 'yourself' is rarely translated directly. The language prefers to omit pronouns, use names/titles, or rely on context. This guide covers how to express reflexive, emphatic, and idiomatic uses of 'yourself' naturally.
Expressing that the subject does something to themselves, as in 'Did you hurt yourself?'
Japanese often omits the object when it's clear from context that the action is reflexive. The verb alone implies the subject is also the object.
Did you hurt yourself?
気をつけてね。
Take care of yourself.
Used for emphasis or clarity, meaning 'oneself'. Can sound slightly formal or emphatic in casual speech.
More formal and emphatic than 自分. Often used in written or formal contexts.
Please check it yourself.
Emphasizing that the person does something personally, as in 'You yourself said so.'
The most common way to say 'by yourself' or 'personally'. Attaches to verbs.
You said so yourself.
Decide for yourself.
Explicitly 'you yourself'. Use sparingly; can sound accusatory or overly direct.
If you yourself think so.
More natural than あなた自身. Use the person's name or title for politeness.
You yourself said so, Mr. Tanaka.
Expressing that someone does something alone or without assistance, as in 'Did you make this yourself?'
Encouraging someone to act naturally, as in 'Just be yourself.'
The most natural way to say 'be yourself'. らしい expresses 'in a way typical of you'.
Just be yourself and you'll be fine.
Means 'as you are', often used in encouraging contexts. Popularized by the song from Frozen.
It's okay to be yourself.
Means 'in a natural manner', often used in advice about social situations.
Just be yourself in the interview.
Expressing concern for someone's well-being, as in 'Take care of yourself.'
Standard phrase meaning 'take care of yourself', especially when someone is sick or injured.
You caught a cold? Take care of yourself.
Literally 'be careful of your body', used for general well-being.
See you, take care of yourself.
Formal expression used in letters or emails, meaning 'please take care of yourself'.
It's getting cold, so please take care of yourself.
English uses 'yourself' in many idiomatic ways that do not translate directly into Japanese. For example, 'Help yourself' is どうぞご自由に (dōzo go-jiyū ni), not a literal translation. Always consider the intended meaning rather than the word itself.
自分 (jibun) is the general word for 'self' and is used in most everyday contexts. 自身 (jishin) is more emphatic and formal, often used with honorific prefixes like ご自身 (go-jishin) in polite speech. 自分 can also mean 'I' in some dialects or casual male speech, so context matters.
You should be proud of yourself.