1.
origin; lineage; family background
The family, social class, or geographical origin from which a person comes. A formal word emphasizing hereditary or ancestral background.
出自を明かす。
To reveal one's origins.
彼の出自は武家だと言われている。
It is said that his lineage traces back to a samurai family.
出自や身分に関係なく、誰もが平等に扱われるべきだ。
Everyone should be treated equally regardless of their origins or social standing.
A compound of 出 (coming from) and 自 (self, origin). A formal, somewhat literary word that focuses on ancestral or hereditary background rather than simple birthplace.
USAGE:
Appears in historical discussions, biographical writing, sociology, and formal contexts. It carries connotations of social class, bloodline, and hereditary status. In modern usage, it can also refer to the provenance of objects or ideas.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 出自を明かす — to reveal one's origins
- 出自を問う — to inquire about someone's background
- 出自を隠す — to conceal one's origins
- 出自が明らかになる — for one's origins to become clear
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 出身 — hometown, alma mater; the most common word for where someone is from
- 素性 — true identity, background; often implies hidden or unknown origins
- 家柄 — family standing, pedigree; focuses specifically on the family's social status