1.
reap what you sow, you get what you deserve
Suffering the consequences of one's own actions. Originally a Buddhist concept of karma.
それは自業自得としか言えない。
I can only say you brought it on yourself.
嘘をついた結果、信用を失った。自業自得だね。
As a result of lying, you lost trust. You got what you deserved.
勉強しなかったから不合格になった。自業自得だ。
I didn't study, so I failed. I reaped what I sowed.
自業自得 is a Buddhist-origin 四字熟語 meaning "you reap what you sow." It expresses that one's fate is determined by one's own actions (karma).
WORD FORMATION:
自 (self) + 業 (deeds/karma) + 自 (self) + 得 (obtain) = one obtains the results of one's own deeds
USAGE:
- Often used when someone suffers consequences of their own bad choices
- Can sound harsh or judgmental when directed at others
- Used as a noun or as a predicate with だ
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 自業自得だ: You brought it on yourself
- 自業自得としか言えない: I can only say it's self-inflicted
- それは自業自得だよ: That's your own doing
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- 因果応報: karmic retribution (more neutral)
- 身から出た錆: rust from one's own body (similar meaning)
- 蒔いた種: reap what you sow (lit. seeds you planted)
CULTURAL NOTE:
Originates from Buddhist teachings on karma. Use carefully, as it can come across as unsympathetic or blaming.