己
己·self, oneself
- On-yomi
- コキ
- Kun-yomi
- おのれ
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Stroke order
Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.
Common words
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 自己 | じこ | self, oneself |
| 自己紹介 | じこしょうかい | self-introduction |
| 利己的 | りこてき | selfish, egoistic |
| 知己 | ちき | close acquaintance |
Example sentences
まず自己紹介をしてください。
まずじこしょうかいをしてください。
Please introduce yourself first.
己の力を信じて進むしかない。
おのれのちからをしんじてすすむしかない。
There is nothing for it but to trust in your own strength and go on.
そんな利己的な考え方は嫌われる。
そんなりこてきなかんがえかたはきらわれる。
That kind of selfish thinking makes people dislike you.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
- 己已已 (already) has its top-left stroke half closed; 己 leaves it fully open.
- 己巳巳 (snake) closes the top completely — 己 open, 已 half, 巳 shut.
Common mistakes
- おのれ is dramatic and literary — everyday 'oneself' is 自分
- The キ reading appears only in 知己 (ちき) and a few set words
Memory aid
Picture it
Three bends of a folded cord tied for oneself: a small private knot standing for the self.
Vocabulary using this kanji
Quick check
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What does the kanji 己 mean?