己
Meanings
Poetic or literary pronoun for 'self'; used in elevated or reflective contexts, not in everyday conversation.
It is important to know oneself.
Humble first-person pronoun used mainly by men in formal or self-deprecating contexts; can sound old-fashioned or stiff.
It was due to my own inexperience that I caused you trouble.
Derogatory second-person pronoun used to address someone with contempt or anger; often heard in confrontational or rough speech.
You bastard, how dare you deceive me!
Adverbial use meaning 'by oneself' or 'of its own accord'; often appears in set phrases like 己から (of one's own will).
He took on that task of his own accord.
damn!; blast!
Interjection expressing anger, frustration, or chagrin; used in dramatic or old-fashioned speech, similar to 'damn it!'.
Damn, I lost again!
Expressions· 12
- 己に克つcontrol oneself; overcome one's own desires
- 己を枉ぐcast aside one's beliefs; abandon one's principles
- 己を捨てるset aside one's own interests; put others before oneself
- 己の分を尽くすdo one's part; fulfill one's duty
- 己に克ち礼に復るact with restraint and conform to the ways of etiquette
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- 己を虚しゅうするcast aside one's prejudices; empty oneself
- 人の蠅を追うより己の蠅を追えtake care of yourself before you take care of others
- 己の欲せざる所は人に施す勿れdo not do unto others what you would not have done unto you