10 Ways to Say “I” in Japanese

Here are the 10 ways to say “I” in Japanese.

1. 私 (わたし) – Watashi
=> Most common, used in casual and formal contexts.

Example:
私は学生です。
(Watashi wa gakusei desu.)
I am a student.

2. 私 (わたくし) – Watakushi
=> Very formal, less common than わたし.

Example:
わたくしは責任を負います。
(Watakushi wa sekinin o oimashita.)
I will take responsibility.

3. 僕 (ぼく) – Boku
=> Used by males, especially young men, casual and humble.

Example:
僕はサッカーが好きだ。
(Boku wa sakkaa ga suki da.)
I like soccer.

4. 俺 (おれ) – Ore
=> Masculine, can be harsh, used by superiors or close friends/family.

Example:
俺はもう行くよ。
(Ore wa mou iku yo.)
I’m going now.

5. あたし – Atashi
=> Feminine, used by young women in casual speech, rare in writing.

Example:
あたし、明日忙しいね。
(Atashi, ashita isogashii ne.)
I’m busy tomorrow.

6. あたくし – Atakushi
=> Feminine, formal version of あたし.

Example:
あたくしがお手伝いいたします。
(Atakushi ga otetsudai itashimasu.)
I will help.

7. 自分 (じぶん) – Jibun
=> Used by both genders, refers to oneself like “myself.”

Example:
自分は努力するつもりだ。
(Jibun wa doryoku suru tsumori da.)
I plan to work hard.

8. うち – Uchi
=> Used mostly by women, especially in Kansai, self-referential.

Example:
うち、料理が得意やねん。
(Uchi, ryouri ga tokui yanen.)
I’m good at cooking.

9. 我 (われ) – Ware
=> Very formal, typical in literature.

Example:
我が名を呼ばず。
(Ware ga na o yobazu.)
Do not call my name.

10. 儂 (わし) – Washi
=> Used in Kansai, common with older generations, especially men.

Example:
儂は昔、旅をした。
(Washi wa mukashi, tabi o shita.)
I traveled in the past.

Each term varies by gender, formality, and regional use.

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