自 – Self / Oneself (Ji Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 自.
Kanji 自 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
自 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
ジ is used in words like 自分 (jibun – oneself) and 自転車 (jitensha – bicycle). シ appears in a smaller set of words such as 自然 (shizen – nature).
Used to mean "personally" or "by one's own will," as in 自ら (mizukara), often found in formal writing and speeches.
自 Stroke Order – How to Write 自
自 is written with 6 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write the top short diagonal stroke first, then the outer frame (vertical, top horizontal), then the two inner horizontal strokes, and finish with the bottom horizontal closing the shape.
Common Words Using 自 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 10 essential words that use the kanji 自, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 自
See 自 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
自分で料理を作ります。
じぶんで りょうりを つくります。
Jibun de ryouri o tsukurimasu.
I cook by myself.
毎日自転車で学校へ行きます。
まいにち じてんしゃで がっこうへ いきます。
Mainichi jitensha de gakkou e ikimasu.
I go to school by bicycle every day.
この公園は自然が豊かです。
この こうえんは しぜんが ゆたかです。
Kono kouen wa shizen ga yutaka desu.
This park is rich in nature.
彼は自信を持っています。
かれは じしんを もっています。
Kare wa jishin o motte imasu.
He has confidence.
週末は自宅で過ごします。
しゅうまつは じたくで すごします。
Shuumatsu wa jitaku de sugoshimasu.
I spend the weekend at home.
Frequently Asked Questions About 自
What does the Kanji 自 mean?
自 means "self" or "oneself." It is a common JLPT N5 kanji, seen in words like 自分 (jibun, oneself) and 自転車 (jitensha, bicycle).
What is the Onyomi reading of 自?
The Onyomi (Chinese-derived) readings of 自 are ジ (ji) and シ (shi), as in 自分 (jibun, oneself) and 自然 (shizen, nature).
What is the Kunyomi reading of 自?
The Kunyomi (native Japanese) reading of 自 is みずか(ら) (mizuka(ra)), meaning "personally" or "by oneself."
How many strokes does 自 have?
自 is written with 6 strokes.
Is 自 a JLPT N5 kanji?
Yes, 自 is part of the official JLPT N5 kanji list and is very common, appearing in essential words like 自分 (oneself) and 自転車 (bicycle).
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