1.
self; ego; self-awareness
One's sense of self or individual identity. Used in both everyday and philosophical or psychological contexts. Composed of 自 (self) + 我 (I, ego). Often appears in discussions of child development, psychology, and personal growth.
自我に目覚める。
To awaken to one's self.
子どもは三歳ごろから自我が芽生える。
Children begin to develop a sense of self around age three.
彼は自我が強すぎて、チームワークがうまくいかない。
He has too strong an ego, so teamwork doesn't go well.
USAGE:
自我 refers to the psychological concept of self or ego. It is more abstract and intellectual than 自分 (oneself), which is a basic pronoun. 自我 is often used in developmental psychology to describe a child's growing awareness of being a separate individual.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 自我に目覚める (to become self-aware)
- 自我が芽生える (self-awareness emerges)
- 自我が強い (to have a strong ego)
- 自我を抑える (to suppress one's ego)
- 自我崩壊 (ego collapse, loss of identity)