How to say "identity" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- nounCovers identity in the abstract sense — one's sense of self, or a group's cultural or national identity. Typical in discussion of self, belonging, and how one is seen.
- 身元みもとnounIdentity in the sense of who a person actually is — their background and origins. Used when someone's identity must be confirmed, investigated, or vouched for, as with an unknown person or a new employee.
- 氏名しめいnounIdentity only in the administrative sense — a person's full name as entered on forms and documents. It really just means one's full name, so it is seldom what you want for identity as selfhood.
- 正体しょうたいnounIdentity in the sense of a hidden truth brought to light: the true identity of a masked figure or mysterious stranger, or someone showing their true colors. Carries a strong feel of unmasking.
- 身分みぶんnounIdentity in the sense of social standing or official status, tied to birth and origin. It is really about status rather than who someone is, so it seldom fits personal identity.
Choose 「アイデンティティ」 for identity as a sense of self, 身元 for who someone really is, 氏名 for a full name on documents, 正体 for a hidden or true identity, and 身分 for social standing.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
This browser can't play pronunciations (needs Safari 18.4 or later, or Chrome / Edge / Firefox).
