出 自(しゅつじ)

しゅつじ

noun

origin; lineage; family background

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(しゅつじ)を明(あ)かす。

To reveal one's origins.

彼(かれ)の出自(しゅつじ)は武家(ぶけ)だと言(い)われている。

It is said that his lineage traces back to a samurai family.

出自(しゅつじ)や身分(みぶん)に関係(かんけい)なく、誰(だれ)もが平等(びょうどう)に扱(あつか)われるべきだ。

Everyone should be treated equally regardless of their origins or social standing.

A compound of 出(しゅつ) (coming from) and 自(じ) (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(しゅつじ)を明(あ)かす — to reveal one's origins
出自(しゅつじ)を問(と)う — to inquire about someone's background
出自(しゅつじ)を隠(かく)す — to conceal one's origins
出自(しゅつじ)が明(あき)らかになる — for one's origins to become clear

Similar words

出身(しゅっしん) — hometown, alma mater; the most common word for where someone is from
素性(すじょう) — true identity, background; often implies hidden or unknown origins
家柄(いえがら) — family standing, pedigree; focuses specifically on the family's social status

Related Words

Compare: 出身(しゅっしん) (hometown, alma mater)

Compare: 素性(すじょう) (true identity, background)

Compare: 家柄(いえがら) (family standing, pedigree)

Compare: 素性(すじょう)が知(し)れる (one's true background or origin becomes known)

general

Added 2026.3.31 0:11 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02

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