How to refer to yourself in Japanese.
In Japanese there are three ways to refer to yourself. In this article we will learn how to differentiate between the three methods and which one is best for you to use.
Posted by Coto Academy on March 11, 2015 — Japanese Study
In Japanese, there are many different ways to refer to yourself: boku, ore, watashi. In this article we will learn how to differentiate between the three methods and which one is best for you to use.
Typically Japanese Women use mainly “watashi”, but for men there are other options such as boku, ore and more. Typically you will find that Japanese people typically select the first-person pronoun based on the context of the conversation and who they are talking to.
Let’s have a look at the different characteristics of boku, ore, watashi.
Watashi — 私
A polite and the most general expression that is used by both women and men everywhere from formal occasions to business and public situations.
Boku — 僕
Boku is an expression used only by men. Originally from words like geboku (manservant) and kouboku (public servant), which signify servants, this word began to be used by young people referring humbly to themselves.
Today it is used in close relationships or as a softer word than ore (see below). It is also used as a second-person pronoun for small boys, e.g. “僕は何歳ですか — boku, how old are you?”
Ore — 俺
As a first-person pronoun with an extremely rough image, it is only used in a casual setting between people who are very close. Because it creates a very rough image for someone who is not fluent in Japanese, becareful when you use it.
Even in close relationships, ore and boku create different images, which one is used differs from person to person. Once your level in Japanese has improved, it may be a good idea to try and change the first-person pronoun you are using depending on your character, the setting, or your conversation partner.
Looking to learn more Fun & Easy Japanese? — please read Nihongo Fun & Easy — written by Teachers from Coto Japanese Academy
