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.
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.