私(わたくし)

わたくし
pronoun
I (formal)
See also: 私(わたし) (standard form)
1. I, myself (formal)
First-person pronoun used in formal situations.
私(わたくし)は田中(たなか)と申(もう)します。
I am (called) Tanaka.
Very formal self-introduction
私(わたくし)の意見(いけん)を述(の)べます。
I will state my opinion.
私(わたくし)どもの会社(かいしゃ)です。
It is our company.
Humble expression
2. private, personal
Relating to one's private affairs.
私(わたくし)事(ごと)で恐縮(きょうしゅく)ですが。
I'm sorry to bring up a personal matter, but...
私(わたくし)の時間(じかん)を大切(たいせつ)にしたい。
I want to value my private time.
公(おおやけ)の場(ば)では私(わたくし)の話(はなし)は控(ひか)えるべきだ。
One should refrain from talking about private matters in public settings.

私(わたくし) is the most formal first-person pronoun in Japanese, used in business settings, formal speeches, and very polite situations.

FORMALITY COMPARISON:

  • 私(わたくし): very formal (business, ceremonies)
  • 私(わたし): polite/neutral (general use)
  • 僕(ぼく): casual male speech
  • 俺(おれ): very casual male speech
  • あたし: casual female speech

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • 私(わたくし)ども: we (humble, business)
  • 私(わたくし)め: I (very humble, archaic)
  • 私(わたくし)の意見(いけん): my opinion (formal)

SENSE 2 - PRIVATE:

As a noun meaning "private matters":

USAGE CONTEXTS:

  • Job interviews and business meetings
  • Formal speeches and presentations
  • Customer service and hospitality
  • Letters and formal writing
general
Added 2026.1.11 19:10 · Revised 2026.5.23 22:13
02500/02987_watakushi