1.
itself; in itself; per se
Placed directly after a noun to isolate the thing itself from its circumstances, results, or associated details. Often used to concede that the thing itself is fine while something around it is not.
Attaches directly to the preceding noun with no particle: 計画自体, そのこと自体. Frequently followed by は in concessive sentences of the form "X itself is fine, but…"
Common collocations
Similar words
- 自身: oneself — used mainly with people (私自身, I myself)
- そのもの: the very thing — stronger and more emphatic, and can also mean "the epitome of" (健康そのもの, the picture of health)
Note: Do not confuse with the homophones 事態 (situation), 辞退 (declining), and 字体 (typeface).