The Meaning of "Jibun"

Today, I will talk about the meaning of the Japanese word "jibun."

Normally, "Jibun" means "I," and is used when you refer to yourself.

For example: "Jibun ha Tokyo shusshin desu (I am from Tokyo.)"

However, in Western Japan, "jibun" means "you," and is used when you refer to your conversation partner.

For example: "Jibun doko kara kitann (where are you from)?"

The reason is because they speak while thinking the conversation partner's perspective.

"Boku" is the first-person word for men, but we sometimes use it as the meaning of "you" toward young boys, such as "boku, nan-sai (how old are you)?"

As just described, since first-person and second-person words are sometimes mingle in Japan, please be careful.

「自分」の意味

今日は、日本語の「自分」の意味を紹介します。

「自分」は通常、話し手が自分自身を参照する際に使う一人称の言葉です。

例：自分は東京出身です。

しかし、関西地方で「自分」は、話し相手を指す際に使う二人称の言葉です。

例：自分どこから来たん？

これは、話す際に相手の立場に立って考えているからです。

「僕」は男が使う一人称ですが、女性が小さい子どもに対して相手目線になり、「僕、何歳？」のように使うこともよくあります。

このように日本語には、一人称と二人称が入り交じることがありますので、注意しましょう。