How to say "self-respect" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 自尊じそんnounCovers self-respect and self-esteem in the sense of holding oneself in regard, sometimes shading into self-importance or wounded pride. The natural choice for psychological self-respect.
- 意気地いくじnounCovers self-respect as backbone or guts — the refusal to be pushed around or humiliated. Often appears in contexts of stubborn pride or lack thereof.
- 識見しきけんnounPrincipally means views, opinion, and discernment; 'self-respect' is only a marginal sense here. Better used for one's judgment and insight than for self-respect itself.
- 見識けんしきnounMeans pride and self-respect of the kind grounded in discernment and sound judgment — dignity maintained before others. A good choice for principled, public-facing self-respect.
Use 自尊 for pride and self-esteem, 意気地 for backbone and unwillingness to be beaten, and 見識 or 識見 mainly for dignity rooted in one's judgment and discernment.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also


