(じがいしき)

じがいしき
noun
self-awareness; sense of self; self-consciousness
1. self-awareness; sense of self; self-consciousness
The conscious awareness of oneself as an individual with distinct thoughts, feelings, and identity. Can describe healthy self-awareness or excessive self-consciousness depending on context.
自我意識(じがいしき)(つよ)い。
He has a strong sense of self.
思春期(ししゅんき)になると自我意識(じがいしき)芽生(めば)える。
A sense of self begins to emerge in adolescence.
(つよ)すぎる自我意識(じがいしき)は、周囲(しゅうい)との摩擦(まさつ)()むこともある。
An overly strong sense of self can sometimes cause friction with those around you.

Used in psychology, philosophy, and everyday conversation. Can have neutral or negative connotations depending on context — 自我意識が強い can mean both 'has a strong identity' (positive) and 'is full of oneself' (negative).

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 自我意識(じがいしき)(つよ)い: having a strong sense of self
  • 自我意識(じがいしき)芽生(めば)える: a sense of self emerges
  • 自我意識(じがいしき)発達(はったつ): development of self-awareness

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 自意識(じいしき): self-consciousness (tends to emphasize social self-awareness)
  • {アイデンティティ}: identity (loanword, broader sense)