Question
Updated on
28 Oct 2018
- French (Canada)
-
Japanese
-
English (US)
Question about Japanese
I know there's a 3 main way to address yourself in a sentence (私, ぼく, おれ)
but how do I know wich one to use ?
I know there's a 3 main way to address yourself in a sentence (私, ぼく, おれ)
but how do I know wich one to use ?
but how do I know wich one to use ?
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- Portuguese (Brazil)
- English (US)
- Portuguese (Portugal)
私 is polite and the most general expression that is used by both women and men everywhere, it's more formal, I believe
ぼく is only used by men, but I don't think it's a polite form though.
おれ is only used in a casual setting between people who are very close.
I would say that you should use 私, it's the safest way for us who are learning haha
- Japanese
@AnimeThighHigh
We have many personal pronouns in Japanese, but here are the most commonly used forms and my explanations.
[MALE]
■boku
It is basically used by boys or youngsters. Some adult males such as scholars, authors, actors use it, but it sounds soft and a bit snobbish in some cases. Girls in anime or games sometimes use it but it's only in the imaginary world.
■ore
It is used by males from boys to adult males between close friends or families to try to look wild. Because it sounds vulgar, you can't use it to your superiors or someone you don't know well. You use "watashi" in that case if you are an adult male.
■jibun
It is used by someone who has belonged to athletic clubs or someone trying to look tough. Because it was used by military guys in old days.
■watashi
It is a formal form of "I" and is also the most typical personal pronoun for females. Men use it at work especially when talking to superiors and to customers or clients.
[FEMALE]
■watashi(atashi)
As mentioned on the male section, it is a formal form of "I", but is switched to "atashi" between close friends or families when used by females.
■uchi
It is used by young girls mainly teenagers or early 20's between close friends.
NOTE: watakushi is the most polite personal pronoun mainly used at a ceremony or a formal event by both males and females.
Hope these are helpful for you.
Highly-rated answerer
- French (Canada)
- Japanese
- Japanese
Japanese has a variety of personal pronouns, words for "I" (and "you"). We choose one of them, depending on a situation and our personality. We (both gender) should use "watashi" in a formal situation, so "watashi" is the safest choice.
●[1st-person pronouns]
･https://youtu.be/Q2Y7ET-TyCs
･https://youtu.be/UTDna6oWA3g
･https://youtu.be/dFcyaWgGpJM
･https://manga.tokyo/columns/lost-in-honyaku/wat...
･https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_pronouns
My explanation is as follows:
[female]
･私 (watashi)
Women should use 私 in a formal situation. And, women commonly use this in casual conversation as well.
･あたし (atashi)
This is a feminine version of watashi ("w" was dropped.). Young girls tend to choose あたし in casual conversation.
･僕 (boku)
In manga/anime, boyish characters use 僕. I think few women use this in real life.
･俺 (ore)
In manga/anime, (very) masculine characters use 俺. I think few women use this in real life.
[male]
･私 (watashi)
Men should use 私 in a formal situation. Young men don't usually use this in casual conversation. Some old men choose this pronoun in daily life. Some serious boy character use this pronoun in manga/anime. Most of the men use 僕 or 俺 in a casual conversation in real life.
･僕 (boku)
Young boys tend to use this. Men who have gentle/mild personality tend to use this. This is a little manly (a bit modest) 1st-person pronoun.
･俺 (ore)
This is a (kinda rough/blunt) Masculine 1st-person pronoun. Many men choose this in a casual conversation. But, men shouldn't use this in a formal situation.
･あたし (atashi)
Because this is a feminine version of watashi, men who have transvestism or gender identity disorder tend to choose this.
Highly-rated answerer
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