自業自得(じごうじとく)

自業自得(じごうじとく) is a Buddhist-origin 四字熟語(よじじゅくご) meaning "you reap what you sow." It expresses that one's fate is determined by one's own actions (karma).

Forms

自(じ) (self) + 業(ごう) (deeds/karma) + 自(じ) (self) + 得(とく) (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(じごうじとく)だ: You brought it on yourself
• 自業自得(じごうじとく)としか言(い)えない: I can only say it's self-inflicted
• それは自業自得(じごうじとく)だよ: That's your own doing

Similar words

• 因果応報(いんがおうほう): karmic retribution (more neutral)
• 身(み)から出(で)た錆(さび): rust from one's own body (similar meaning)
• 蒔(ま)いた種(たね): 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.