One of the first Japanese words I
learned was watashi, meaning I. Watashi wa Pamela desu. I recently learned there are many other words
that also mean the pronoun “I” in Japanese!
Watashi is the most
versatile word for self. It is used by
men and women of all ages and has been in use since the 17th
century.
Watakushi
has been in use since the 14th century and is a more formal way to
say “I”. I have seen and heard this word
but haven’t used it myself.
Boku is used by boys
and has been in use since the 19th century. I’ve seen this in print
and have heard my 4 year old neighbor refer to himself as boku.
Ore, in use since
the 14th century, is the most masculine way to refer to oneself and
is also very informal – used only with one’s friends. I’ve not heard this one.
Washi has been used
from the 14th century through the present, but is just barely in use
now. It’s only used by the most senior
of senior citizens.
Oira, in use from the
14th century through the present, is also on its way out. This is the “hillbilly” way to say “I”.
(Really? Japan has hillbillies?)
Atakushi, in use from
the 19th century through about the 1950’s was the feminine way to
refer to oneself, but went out of the language after World War II. It’s said to
be the shortest lived of the “I” pronouns.
Temae, was used from
the 14th century until the 1950’s.
Sessha, is called the
“samarai” way to say I. In use from the 14th to the 19th
centuries, you’ll only hear it on period dramas now. Aha! That
must be why I‘ve never heard it!
Warawa, in use from
the 12th to the 19th century, you’ll only hear it today
if you are talking with a time traveler.
Soregashi, also
in use from the 12th to the 19th century.
Maro, in use from
the 8th to the 16th century. (How does anyone know this?)
Wa, 8th to the 14th
century.
A – only in use from the 8th
to the 12th century.
Interesting as all this language stuff is, I’m
going to stick with using Watashi.
Information source: Rocket News 24
This is kind of related – When I am
talking about myself, I point to my upper chest, but Japanese person points to
his nose. (That’s Ted pretending).
3 comments:
Yes, the Chinese point somewhat to the nose area too.=)
Hi Pamela, that must be the first time I've seen a full summary but do you know, I still pion yo my nose when I say "who me?" The years in Japan are not easily forgotten!
Very interesting! I have only heard a few of these expressions, although the Samurai drama channel on TV is on most of the time in my house.
Another most common way to say 'I' is to use one's own name, especially when talking to children:
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