noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru'
self-satisfaction; complacency
Refers to being pleased with oneself or one's own achievements, often with a nuance of smugness. Can be used as a noun or with する.
彼は自分の成功に自得しているようだ。
He seems to be self-satisfied with his own success.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru'
self-realization; understanding on one's own
The act of grasping or realizing something through one's own effort or ability, without being taught. Often used in philosophical or Buddhist contexts.
禅では、真理は師から教わるものではなく自得するものとされる。
In Zen, truth is considered something to be realized on one's own, not taught by a teacher.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru'
reaping what one sows; being paid back for one's deeds
Used almost exclusively in the set phrase 自業自得 (じごうじとく), meaning 'you reap what you sow' or 'one's deeds come back to one'. The standalone use of 自得 for this meaning is rare.
See also: 自業自得 (じごうじとく)
「自業自得」という言葉は、自分の行いの報いを受けることを意味する。
The phrase 自業自得 means receiving the consequences of one's own actions.