Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Personal" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "personal", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
個人的な
こじんてきな (kojinteki na)
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 個人的な and 一身上.
In Japanese, 個人的な (こじんてきな (kojinteki na)) is typically associated with "personal, individual" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Adjectival noun.
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 "個人的な"
それは個人的な意見です。
That is a 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: "それは ＿＿＿ 意見です。" (Meaning: "That is a personal opinion.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "個人的な" fits here because it means "personal, individual" in the context of: "That is a personal opinion.". "一身上" represents "personal (matters), private (affairs)".