自責 in 30 Seconds
- A formal word for self-blame or self-reproach.
- Commonly used in the phrase 'jiseki no nen' (sense of guilt).
- Implies a heavy moral weight and personal accountability.
- Used in business, literature, and psychological contexts.
The Japanese word 自責 (じせき - jiseki) is a profound noun that translates most accurately to 'self-reproach' or 'self-blame.' In the landscape of Japanese psychology and social interaction, it represents a internal state where an individual turns the lens of criticism inward, holding themselves accountable for a failure, mistake, or perceived moral lapse. Unlike simple regret, which might focus on the outcome, jiseki focuses on the self as the cause of the negative event. It is a weight carried in the heart, often described as a 'feeling' through the common phrase 自責の念 (jiseki no nen).
- Core Concept
- The act of accusing oneself for a wrong committed, often leading to a heavy emotional burden.
- Social Context
- In Japanese culture, taking responsibility (責任 - sekinin) is a virtue. Jiseki is the internal emotional manifestation of this responsibility when things go wrong.
When do people use this word? It is rarely used in casual, lighthearted conversation. You won't hear someone use jiseki because they forgot to buy milk. Instead, it is reserved for situations involving significant consequences: a project failure at work that affects the whole team, a personal betrayal that hurts a loved one, or a professional error that leads to public scrutiny. It is a word of gravity, often appearing in literature, formal apologies, news reports, and psychological discussions. It suggests a certain level of maturity or a heavy conscience.
事故の責任を感じ、彼は自責の念に駆られた。
(Feeling responsible for the accident, he was driven by a sense of self-reproach.)
The word is composed of two kanji: 自 (ji) meaning 'self' and 責 (seki) meaning 'blame,' 'responsibility,' or 'to urge.' Together, they literally mean 'self-blame.' Interestingly, the kanji 責 also appears in words like sekinin (responsibility) and semeru (to blame/torture). This connection highlights that jiseki is a form of internal 'torture' or pressure applied to the self. It is the opposite of 他責 (taseki), which is the act of blaming others—a trait generally looked down upon in Japanese society.
In psychological terms, jiseki is often discussed in the context of trauma or grief. Survivors of disasters often experience jiseki (survivor's guilt), wondering why they lived while others did not. This demonstrates that the word isn't always about a 'mistake' one actually made, but rather the 'feeling' of being at fault regardless of logic. Understanding jiseki is key to understanding the Japanese approach to accountability and the internal life of the individual within the collective.
彼は自分一人が生き残ったことに自責の念を抱いている。
(He harbors a sense of self-reproach for being the only one to survive.)
Using 自責 (jiseki) correctly requires understanding its grammatical partners. Because it is a formal noun, it often appears in specific 'set phrases' that convey intense emotion. The most common of these is 自責の念 (jiseki no nen), which translates to 'a sense of self-reproach.' This phrase functions as a single unit in many sentences.
- Verb Pairing: Karareru
- 自責の念に駆られる (jiseki no nen ni karareru) means to be 'driven' or 'overcome' by self-reproach. It suggests a sudden, powerful wave of guilt.
- Verb Pairing: Sainamareru
- 自責の念に苛まれる (jiseki no nen ni sainamareru) means to be 'tormented' or 'harassed' by self-reproach. This implies a long-lasting, painful struggle with guilt.
When using jiseki as a verb, you add suru. 自責する (jiseki suru) is 'to reproach oneself.' However, this is less common than the 'no nen' variations. Usually, jiseki suru is used in more analytical or clinical contexts, describing the action of blaming oneself rather than the raw feeling of it.
あまり自分を自責しすぎないでください。
(Please do not reproach yourself too much.)
In business settings, jiseki is often used when taking responsibility for a collective failure. A manager might say, 'I feel a strong sense of jiseki regarding this quarter's results.' This signals to subordinates and superiors alike that the manager is not shifting the blame to others. It is a tool of leadership and accountability.
Another important usage is in the compound noun 自責思考 (jiseki shikou), meaning 'self-blame thinking' or 'internal locus of control.' This is a buzzword in Japanese self-help and business management. It refers to the mindset of looking for the causes of problems within one's own actions rather than blaming external factors. While jiseki no nen is emotional and often negative, jiseki shikou is often framed as a positive trait for growth and problem-solving.
成功するリーダーは、自責思考を持っていることが多い。
(Successful leaders often possess a 'self-responsibility' mindset.)
You will encounter 自責 (jiseki) in high-stakes environments and sophisticated media. It is a staple of Japanese television dramas, particularly those involving medicine, law, or corporate intrigue. When a character makes a life-altering mistake, the ensuing monologue or dialogue will almost certainly feature the phrase jiseki no nen. It provides a shorthand for the character's internal suffering and moral integrity.
- News & Media
- During press conferences where CEOs or politicians apologize for scandals, they use 'jiseki' to emphasize that they are taking the blame personally. 'I am filled with jiseki no nen' is a standard formal apology trope.
- Literature
- Classic Japanese literature, such as the works of Natsume Soseki, often explores the theme of 'jiseki.' The psychological tension between individual desire and social duty often leads characters to a state of permanent self-reproach.
In the workplace, you might hear this word during performance reviews or retrospective meetings (Kaikai). If a project fails, a team member might say, 'I feel jiseki for my lack of oversight.' This is a way of signaling humility and a desire to improve. However, it's important to note that if someone says this to you, the appropriate response is often to offer comfort or to share the responsibility, rather than agreeing with their self-blame.
彼は不祥事の責任を取り、自責の念から辞任した。
(He took responsibility for the scandal and resigned out of a sense of self-reproach.)
In therapy or counseling settings, jiseki is a technical term. Psychologists look for 'excessive jiseki' (過度な自責) as a symptom of depression. Therefore, if you are reading a medical blog or a health-related article in Japanese, you will see jiseki used to describe a mental state that needs to be managed. It is a word that bridges the gap between ancient moral philosophy and modern mental health.
うつ病の症状として、強い自責感に襲われることがある。
(As a symptom of depression, one may be attacked by a strong sense of self-reproach.)
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 自責 (jiseki) is using it for trivial matters. As mentioned before, jiseki is a heavy word. If you drop a glass and say, 'I feel jiseki,' it sounds overly dramatic or even sarcastic. For daily mistakes, use 後悔 (koukai - regret) or simply 反省 (hansei - reflection/regret).
- Mistake: Confusing with Hansei
- 'Hansei' is about looking back to improve. 'Jiseki' is about the pain of being the one at fault. You can 'hansei' without feeling 'jiseki,' and vice versa.
- Mistake: Confusing with Koukai
- 'Koukai' (regret) is wishing the event hadn't happened. 'Jiseki' is specifically blaming yourself for it. You can regret the weather, but you can't feel 'jiseki' about the weather.
Another common error is grammatical. Learners often try to use jiseki as an adjective (e.g., 'jiseki na hito'). This is incorrect. Jiseki is a noun. To describe someone who blames themselves a lot, you would say 自分を責めやすい人 (jibun o semeyasui hito) or 自責の念が強い人 (jiseki no nen ga tsuyoi hito).
✖ 彼はとても自責な人だ。
〇 彼は自責の念が強い人だ。
(He is a person with a strong sense of self-reproach.)
Finally, be careful with the kanji. The second kanji 責 is often confused with 積 (to pile up/accumulate). While 'accumulating guilt' makes sense in English, jiseki is always written with the 'blame' kanji. Writing 自積 is a common mistake even for Japanese students, but it changes the meaning entirely or renders the word nonsensical.
To truly master 自責 (jiseki), you must understand how it sits among its synonyms. Japanese has many words for 'regret' and 'guilt,' each with a specific nuance. Choosing the right one shows a high level of linguistic sophistication.
- 罪悪感 (Zaiakukan)
- Meaning 'sense of guilt.' This is broader than 'jiseki.' You might feel 'zaiakukan' for eating a cake on a diet, but 'jiseki' is more about the moral failure of breaking your own rules.
- 悔恨 (Kaikon)
- Meaning 'remorse' or 'regretful lamentation.' This is even more literary and dramatic than 'jiseki.' It often implies a long-lasting, bitter regret for a past action that cannot be undone.
- 反省 (Hansei)
- Meaning 'reflection' or 'introspection.' This is the 'light' version. It's constructive. 'Hansei' is what you do after a mistake to make sure it doesn't happen again. It lacks the 'torture' element of 'jiseki.'
If you want a more casual way to express the same idea, use the verb phrase 自分を責める (jibun o semeru). This is what friends say to each other. If a friend is crying over a mistake, you would say, 'Don't blame yourself' (Jibun o semenai de). Using 'jiseki' in that context would feel like you're reading from a textbook.
彼は自責の念に駆られているが、私はそれを反省として活かしてほしい。
(He is driven by self-reproach, but I want him to use it as a basis for reflection/improvement.)
On the opposite end of the spectrum is 他責 (taseki). While 'jiseki' is about looking inward, 'taseki' is about pointing the finger at others. In Japanese corporate culture, a 'taseki' attitude is considered a major red flag for employees, as it suggests they are unable to learn from their mistakes or take ownership of their work.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The kanji 責 (seki) originally depicted a person being forced to pay back a debt, which is why it carries the connotation of pressure or torture.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'ji' as 'zhi' (Chinese style).
- Stressing the first syllable too hard.
- Making the 'i' in 'ki' too long.
- Confusing the pitch with 'jiseki' (meaning magnetic stone - different kanji).
- Pronouncing 'se' as 'she'.
Difficulty Rating
Kanji are common but the context is often literary or formal.
Kanji for 'seki' can be tricky to remember (don't mix with 'tsumi').
Used in specific formal set phrases; not for daily casual chat.
Common in news and dramas, easily distinguishable pronunciation.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Noun + の念 (no nen)
感謝の念、自責の念、殺意の念
Passive form for emotions (Karareru/Sainamareru)
不安に駆られる、自責に苛まれる
Compound Kanji Nouns
自責思考、自己責任
Amary (to the point that...)
自責するあまり、病気になった。
Verb Stem + Sugiru (Too much)
自責しすぎるのは毒だ。
Examples by Level
私は自責の念があります。
I have a sense of self-reproach (I feel very sorry).
Basic 'A wa B ga arimasu' structure.
自分を責めないでください。
Please do not blame yourself.
Negative 'te-form' + kudasai.
自責は「自分のせいだ」と思うことです。
Jiseki is thinking 'it is my fault.'
Definition using 'koto desu.'
彼は自責の念でいっぱいです。
He is full of self-reproach.
'de ippai' means 'full of.'
自責の気持ちは大切です。
The feeling of self-blame is important.
Using 'kimochi' (feeling) as a synonym for 'nen.'
間違いをして、自責しました。
I made a mistake and reproached myself.
Past tense of 'jiseki suru.'
自責の漢字を書きます。
I will write the kanji for 'jiseki'.
Simple object-verb sentence.
これは自責の言葉です。
This is a word of self-reproach.
Demonstrative pronoun 'kore.'
彼は自責の念に駆られました。
He was driven by a sense of self-reproach.
Karareru (passive/potential form).
自責しすぎるのは良くないです。
Reproaching yourself too much is not good.
Verb stem + sugiru (too much).
失敗を自責の念で受け止める。
To accept a failure with a sense of self-reproach.
Using 'de' to show the state/manner.
彼女は自責の念から泣き出した。
She started crying out of self-reproach.
'kara' used for cause/reason.
自責の念を持つことは成長につながる。
Having a sense of self-reproach leads to growth.
'ni tsunagaru' means 'leads to.'
あまり自責しないで、前を向きましょう。
Don't reproach yourself too much; let's look forward.
Volitional form 'mashou.'
自責の念が彼を苦しめている。
A sense of self-reproach is making him suffer.
Present progressive 'te iru.'
仕事のミスで自責の念を感じた。
I felt self-reproach due to a mistake at work.
'de' showing the cause.
事故の責任を痛感し、自責の念に苛まれている。
Feeling the responsibility for the accident deeply, he is tormented by self-reproach.
Sainamareru (to be tormented).
自責の念に駆られて、彼は正直に話した。
Driven by self-reproach, he spoke honestly.
Karareru in the te-form for sequence.
リーダーには自責思考が必要だと言われている。
It is said that a self-responsibility mindset is necessary for a leader.
Passive form 'iwarete iru.'
彼は自分を自責することで、心の平穏を得ようとした。
By reproaching himself, he tried to gain peace of mind.
Volitional + to suru (try to).
自責の念を抱えたまま、彼は街を去った。
Carrying a sense of self-reproach, he left the city.
Mama (state remains unchanged).
親としての自責の念が、彼を突き動かした。
Self-reproach as a parent drove him to action.
Tsukiugokasu (to drive/impel).
彼女の言葉には、強い自責の響きがあった。
There was a strong ring of self-reproach in her words.
Hibiki (resonance/ring).
自責の念に負けないように、自分を励ました。
I encouraged myself so as not to lose to self-reproach.
Noun + ni makenai (not lose to).
過度な自責は、メンタルヘルスの悪化を招く恐れがある。
Excessive self-reproach may lead to a deterioration in mental health.
Osore ga aru (there is a fear/risk).
彼は自責の念に押しつぶされそうになっていた。
He was on the verge of being crushed by self-reproach.
Sou ni naru (becoming likely).
自責思考と他責思考のバランスが重要である。
A balance between self-responsibility and external-blame thinking is important.
Formal 'dearu' ending.
彼は不祥事の全責任を負い、自責の念から引退を決意した。
Taking full responsibility for the scandal, he decided to retire out of self-reproach.
Ketsui suru (to resolve/decide).
自責の念をバネにして、彼は見事に再起を果たした。
Using self-reproach as a springboard, he made a brilliant comeback.
Bane ni shite (using as a spring/motivation).
その小説は、主人公の深い自責の念を描いている。
The novel depicts the protagonist's deep sense of self-reproach.
Egaku (to depict).
自責の念を言葉にするのは、勇気がいることだ。
Putting self-reproach into words requires courage.
Noun + ga iru (requires).
彼女は自責の念を隠すために、わざと明るく振る舞った。
She acted bright on purpose to hide her sense of self-reproach.
Tame ni (in order to).
自責の念は、時に個人の倫理観を研ぎ澄ます役割を果たす。
Self-reproach sometimes plays a role in sharpening an individual's sense of ethics.
Togisumasu (to sharpen/refine).
彼の自責の念は、単なる後悔を超えて、一種の宗教的贖罪に近い。
His self-reproach goes beyond mere regret and is close to a kind of religious atonement.
Ni chikai (close to).
自責の念を抱くことは、自己の主体性を認めることでもある。
Harboring self-reproach is also a way of acknowledging one's own agency.
Shutaisei (agency/subjectivity).
彼女の沈黙は、言葉にできないほどの自責の念を物語っていた。
Her silence spoke volumes about a sense of self-reproach that words could not express.
Monogataru (to tell a story/speak volumes).
自責の念に囚われすぎるあまり、彼は現実を見失ってしまった。
Because he was so trapped by self-reproach, he lost sight of reality.
Amary (to such an extent that).
日本的な「恥の文化」において、自責は社会的な秩序維持の一端を担っている。
In the Japanese 'culture of shame,' self-reproach plays a part in maintaining social order.
Ittan o ninau (to play a part).
自責の念を昇華させ、社会貢献へと繋げることが彼の救いとなった。
Sublimating his self-reproach and linking it to social contribution became his salvation.
Shouka saseru (to sublimate).
その哲学的考察は、自責の念の根源にある人間性を浮き彫りにした。
The philosophical reflection highlighted the humanity at the root of self-reproach.
Ukibori ni suru (to highlight/carve in relief).
生存者の自責の念、いわゆるサバイバー・ギルトは、深刻なPTSDの要因となり得る。
Survivor's self-reproach, so-called survivor guilt, can be a factor in severe PTSD.
Uru (can/is possible).
自責の念を内面化しすぎた結果、彼は自己破壊的な行動に走った。
As a result of over-internalizing self-reproach, he resorted to self-destructive behavior.
Ni hashiru (to resort to/run toward).
漱石の『こころ』に見られる自責の念は、近代日本人の自我の苦悩を象徴している。
The self-reproach seen in Soseki's 'Kokoro' symbolizes the ego's suffering of modern Japanese people.
Shouchou suru (to symbolize).
自責の念を抱く能力は、他者への共感能力と表裏一体の関係にある。
The capacity for self-reproach is inseparably linked to the capacity for empathy toward others.
Hyouri ittai (two sides of the same coin).
彼は自責の念を、冷徹なまでの自己批判へと転換させた。
He transformed his self-reproach into a chillingly objective self-criticism.
Reitetsu (chillingly objective).
自責の念が、法的な責任追及を免れるための免罪符として機能する場合もある。
There are cases where self-reproach functions as an indulgence to escape legal accountability.
Menzaifu (indulgence/get-out-of-jail-free card).
自責の念の深淵を覗き込むことは、自己の暗部と対峙することを意味する。
Peering into the abyss of self-reproach means confronting the dark parts of oneself.
Shin-en (abyss).
自責の念を抱きつつも、生を肯定しようとする葛藤が、この詩の核心である。
The core of this poem is the conflict of trying to affirm life while harboring self-reproach.
Tsutsu mo (while/despite).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Cannot bear the sense of self-reproach.
申し訳なさに、自責の念に堪えません。
— To use self-reproach as motivation to improve.
自責の念をバネにして頑張る。
— To deepen one's sense of self-reproach.
事件の後、彼は自責の念を深めた。
— Self-reproach grows stronger over time.
日が経つにつれ、自責の念が募る。
— To sink into a state of self-reproach.
彼は一人、自責の念に沈んでいた。
— To writhe in the agony of self-reproach.
過去の過ちを思い出し、自責の念に悶える。
— To escape from the feeling of self-reproach.
自責の念から逃れることはできない。
— The feeling of self-reproach does not go away.
何年経っても自責の念が消えない。
— To show one's self-reproach openly.
彼は会見で自責の念をあらわにした。
— Alternative reading of 'driven by self-reproach'.
ふと自責の念にかられる。
Often Confused With
The direct opposite; blaming others instead of yourself.
Homophone meaning 'magnetic stone' - completely different kanji.
Homophone meaning 'achievements' - used in formal histories.
Idioms & Expressions
— A self-reproach so painful it feels like cutting one's own flesh.
身を切るような自責の念に襲われた。
Literary— One's chest is tightened by a sense of self-reproach.
彼の悲しそうな顔を見て、自責の念に胸を締め付けられた。
Emotional— To be completely devastated/crushed by self-reproach.
彼は自責の念に打ちひしがれ、立ち上がれなかった。
Dramatic— To chew on/contemplate one's self-reproach deeply.
一人で自責の念を噛み締める夜。
Reflective— A sense of self-reproach crosses one's mind.
ふとした瞬間に自責の念が脳裏をよぎった。
Psychological— To live while carrying a sense of self-reproach.
彼は一生、自責の念を抱いて生きるつもりだ。
Existential— One's self-reproach is ignited/triggered.
その言葉で、彼の自責の念に火がついた。
Metaphorical— Self-reproach swirls inside (one's heart).
心の中で自責の念が渦巻いている。
Emotional— To engrave self-reproach in one's heart (never forget).
この失敗の自責の念を胸に刻もう。
Formal— To tremble with self-reproach.
あまりの自責の念に声が震えた。
DramaticEasily Confused
Both involve looking at mistakes.
Hansei is constructive and focuses on future improvement. Jiseki is emotional and focuses on current or past blame/pain.
ミスを反省して次に活かすが、自責の念はまだ消えない。
Both are negative feelings about the past.
Koukai is wishing things were different (even if not your fault). Jiseki is specifically blaming yourself as the cause.
雨が降ったことを後悔するが、自責はしない。
Both mean guilt.
Zaiakukan is the general 'feeling' of being guilty. Jiseki is the 'action' or 'state' of reproaching oneself.
嘘をついて罪悪感を感じ、自分を自責する。
Both are strong forms of regret.
Kaikon is more literary and implies a lamentation or crying over the past. Jiseki is more about the logic of blame.
老いた彼は、若き日の過ちを悔恨の情で見つめた。
Both involve suffering from guilt.
Kashaku is usually used in the phrase '良心の呵責' (pangs of conscience) and implies a sharper, stinging pain.
良心の呵責に耐えかねて自白した。
Sentence Patterns
私は[Noun]で自責しています。
私はミスで自責しています。
[Person]は自責の念に駆られている。
彼は自責の念に駆られている。
あまり自責しないでください。
あまり自責しないでください。
[Event]は自責の念を抱かせる。
その事故は彼に自責の念を抱かせた。
自責の念に苛まれる日々。
自責の念に苛まれる日々が続いた。
自責の念を昇華させる。
自責の念を昇華させて、新しい道を進む。
過度な自責は[Result]を招く。
過度な自責は鬱を招く。
自責の念の深淵に触れる。
彼は自責の念の深淵に触れ、悟りを開いた。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
High in formal/literary/news contexts; Low in casual speech.
-
Using 'jiseki' for small errors like being late.
→
反省しています (Hansei shiteimasu).
Jiseki is too heavy for trivial matters.
-
Writing '自積' instead of '自責'.
→
自責
The second kanji must be 'blame' (責), not 'pile up' (積).
-
Saying 'Jiseki na hito' (A jiseki person).
→
自責の念が強い人 (A person with strong jiseki).
Jiseki is a noun, not a na-adjective.
-
Using 'jiseki' to tell someone else to apologize.
→
謝ってください (Apologize please).
Jiseki is an internal feeling; you shouldn't demand it of others.
-
Confusing 'jiseki' with 'sekinin'.
→
責任 (Responsibility).
Sekinin is the duty itself; jiseki is the emotional blame for failing that duty.
Tips
Pair with 'No Nen'
The most natural way to use this word is in the phrase '自責の念' (jiseki no nen).
Leadership Trait
In interviews, mentioning 'jiseki shikou' (self-responsibility mindset) can be a strong point.
Kanji Accuracy
Make sure to write the 'shell' radical in 責 correctly; it relates to value and debt.
Apology Culture
Understand that expressing 'jiseki' is a key part of a formal Japanese apology.
Mental Health
Recognize 'excessive jiseki' as a sign of stress or depression in yourself or others.
Reading Clue
When you see 'jiseki' in a novel, it's a major clue to the character's internal conflict.
Learn the Antonym
Learning 'taseki' (blaming others) helps you remember 'jiseki' better through contrast.
Don't Overuse
Using it too much in casual conversation can make you seem unapproachable or too stiff.
Listen for 'Nen'
In news reports, 'jiseki' is almost always followed by 'no nen.'
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine yourself (自 - ji) being squeezed by a heavy stone of responsibility (責 - seki). You are 'ji-sekiing' yourself.
Visual Association
A person looking into a mirror and pointing a finger at their own reflection with a sad face.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to find a news article about a corporate apology and count how many times they use the word 'jiseki' vs 'sekinin'.
Word Origin
Composed of Middle Chinese roots: 'Zi' (Self) and 'Ze' (Blame/Responsibility). It entered the Japanese language as part of the Sino-Japanese vocabulary (Kango).
Original meaning: To hold oneself accountable for a debt or a moral failure.
Sino-Japanese (Kango).Cultural Context
Be careful using 'jiseki' when discussing mental health, as it can be a symptom of clinical depression.
English speakers might find 'jiseki' too heavy, often preferring 'feeling guilty' or 'regretting.'
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Business Apology
- 自責の念に堪えません
- 引責辞任
- 自責思考
- 管理責任
Psychology/Mental Health
- 過度な自責
- 自責感
- サバイバー・ギルト
- うつ病の症状
Literature/Drama
- 自責の念に苛まれる
- 過去の過ち
- 良心の呵責
- 贖罪の旅
Personal Relationships
- 自分を責める
- 私のせいで
- 申し訳ない気持ち
- 自責の念を抱く
Self-Improvement
- 自責思考で考える
- 他責にしない
- 成長の糧
- 反省と自責
Conversation Starters
"最近、何か自責の念を感じたことはありますか？ (Have you felt any self-reproach lately?)"
"自責思考と他責思考、どちらが大切だと思いますか？ (Which do you think is more important, self-responsibility or external-blame thinking?)"
"あまり自責しすぎると、体に良くないですよね。 (Blaming yourself too much isn't good for your health, is it?)"
"この映画の主人公の自責の念、共感できますか？ (Can you empathize with the protagonist's self-reproach in this movie?)"
"仕事でミスをした時、どうやって自責の念を乗り越えますか？ (How do you overcome self-reproach when you make a mistake at work?)"
Journal Prompts
今日一日の出来事で、自責の念を感じた瞬間を書いてみましょう。 (Write about a moment today when you felt self-reproach.)
「自責思考」が自分の成長にどう役立つか考えてみてください。 (Think about how a 'self-responsibility mindset' can help your growth.)
過去の大きな自責の念を、どうやって許しましたか？ (How did you forgive yourself for a major past self-reproach?)
誰かに「自責しないで」と言われた時の気持ちを記述してください。 (Describe how you felt when someone told you 'don't blame yourself.')
自責の念と他責の念のバランスについて、自分の考えをまとめてください。 (Summarize your thoughts on the balance between self-reproach and blaming others.)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's not used for small daily mistakes. You'll hear it in serious situations, news, or books. In daily life, say 'jibun o semeru.'
No, 'jiseki' literally starts with the kanji for 'self' (自). To blame someone else, use 'semeru' or 'taseki.'
It's a business term for 'self-responsibility mindset,' where you look for ways you could have improved rather than blaming outside factors.
Usually, yes, as it involves emotional pain. However, in business, it's seen as a sign of a responsible, growing leader.
The second kanji 責 has 'shell' (貝) at the bottom. Don't confuse it with 積 (pile up) or 績 (achievement).
Zaiakukan is the 'feeling of guilt.' Jiseki is the 'act of blaming oneself.' You can feel guilt without actively reproaching yourself, but they usually go together.
It's a bit too formal for children. A child would say 'gomen nasai' or 'boku ga warui.'
Yes, it can refer to taking responsibility for a crime or legal failure, often seen in the term '引責' (in-seki).
Usually with 'Sonna ni jibun o semenai de' (Don't blame yourself so much) to show empathy.
Yes, it is 'Heiban' (Type 0), meaning the pitch stays flat after the initial rise.
Test Yourself 191 questions
Translate to Japanese: I feel a sense of self-reproach.
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Translate to Japanese: Please do not blame yourself.
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Write a sentence using '自責の念に駆られる'.
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Explain 'jiseki' in simple Japanese.
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Translate to Japanese: He was tormented by self-reproach.
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Use '自責思考' in a sentence about a leader.
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Translate: I made a mistake and reproached myself.
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Translate: Excessive self-reproach is bad for health.
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Write the kanji for 'jiseki'.
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Translate: Driven by self-reproach, he resigned.
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Translate: I harbor a sense of self-reproach.
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Translate: Don't blame yourself too much.
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Translate: The novel depicts deep self-reproach.
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Translate: There is a ring of self-reproach in his voice.
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Translate: I used self-reproach as motivation.
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Translate: A sense of self-reproach crossed my mind.
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Translate: It is a word of self-reproach.
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Translate: He is a person with a strong sense of self-reproach.
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Translate: I cannot bear the self-reproach.
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Translate: Self-reproach and blaming others.
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Pronounce: 自責の念 (Jiseki no nen).
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Say 'Don't blame yourself' in Japanese.
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Use 'jiseki' in a formal sentence.
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Explain 'jiseki shikou' in your own words.
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Say 'He is tormented by self-reproach.'
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Read: 彼は自責の念に駆られて告白した。
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Say 'excessive self-reproach' in Japanese.
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Say 'I cannot bear the self-reproach.'
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Say 'Self-reproach and reflection.'
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Read: 自責の念が消えない。
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Say 'I harbor self-reproach.'
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Say 'Don't reproach yourself too much.'
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Read: 自責の念をバネにする。
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Say 'I felt self-reproach.'
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Read: 自責の念に胸が締め付けられる。
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Say 'A ring of self-reproach.'
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Read: 自責の念に負けないで。
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Say 'I made a mistake and reproached myself.'
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Read: 自責思考が大切だ。
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Say 'Survivor's guilt.'
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Listen and write: 自責の念に駆られる。
Listen and write: 自分を責めないで。
Listen and write: 自責思考。
Listen and write: 過度な自責。
Listen and write: 自責の念に苛まれる。
Listen and write: ミスを自責する。
Listen and write: 自責の念が強い。
Listen and write: 自責の念を抱く。
Listen and write: 自責と他責。
Listen and write: 自責の念に堪えない。
Listen and write: 悔恨と自責。
Listen and write: 自責の念をバネに。
Listen and write: 自責の響き。
Listen and write: 自責の念を拭う。
Listen and write: 自責の言葉。
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Summary
自責 (Jiseki) is the formal Japanese term for self-reproach. It goes beyond simple regret, representing a deep internal struggle where one holds themselves responsible for a significant failure. Example: 自責の念に駆られる (To be driven by a sense of self-reproach).
- A formal word for self-blame or self-reproach.
- Commonly used in the phrase 'jiseki no nen' (sense of guilt).
- Implies a heavy moral weight and personal accountability.
- Used in business, literature, and psychological contexts.
Context is Key
Only use 'jiseki' for serious moral or professional failures to avoid sounding melodramatic.
Pair with 'No Nen'
The most natural way to use this word is in the phrase '自責の念' (jiseki no nen).
Leadership Trait
In interviews, mentioning 'jiseki shikou' (self-responsibility mindset) can be a strong point.
Kanji Accuracy
Make sure to write the 'shell' radical in 責 correctly; it relates to value and debt.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More emotions words
ぼんやり
B1Vaguely; absentmindedly; dimly.
夢中
B1Absorption; engrossment; infatuation.
受け止める
B1To accept; to take; to grasp.
達成感
B1Sense of accomplishment.
ひしひしと
B1Acutely; keenly; strongly (feeling something).
適応する
B1To adapt; to adjust.
健気な
B2Brave, admirable, or plucky (especially of a weaker person).
感心な
B1Admirable; deserving admiration.
感心
B1Admiration, impression, or being impressed.
感心する
B1To be impressed; to admire.
