Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Personal" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "personal", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
個人的
こじんてき (kojinteki)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
一身上
いっしんじょう (isshinjou)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "personal" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 個人的 and 一身上.
In Japanese, 個人的 (こじんてき (kojinteki)) is typically associated with "personal, individual" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used to describe something belonging to or relating to a specific person, or from a personal viewpoint. It's an な-adjective.
On the other hand, 一身上 (いっしんじょう (isshinjou)) maps to "personal (matters), private (affairs)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to personal circumstances or reasons, often used in formal contexts, especially when explaining absence or resignation. A literal translation of "personal" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "個人的"
これは私の個人的な意見です。
This is my personal opinion.
Bilingual Context for "一身上"
一身上の都合により、今月いっぱいで退職することになりました。
Due to personal reasons, I will be resigning at the end of this month.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "これは私の ＿＿＿ な意見です。" (Meaning: "This is my personal opinion.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "個人的" fits here because it means "personal, individual" in the context of: "This is my personal opinion.". "一身上" represents "personal (matters), private (affairs)".