Quick answer
自 is the kanji for "Self". Its reading is みずか.ら (mizukara). This page includes example sentences and a stroke-order diagram.
Meaning
Self
Also : Oneself · Natural · One's own
Learn 自 with SRS
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
6 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 自 represents 'ONESELF'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of oneself.
On-reading: じ — remember this sound by associating it with oneself. Kun-reading: みずか.ら.
Example Sentences
自分で料理を作りました。
じぶんでりょうりをつくりました。
I cooked by myself.
自転車の練習をしています。
じてんしゃのれんしゅうをしています。
I'm practicing riding a bicycle.
Vocabulary using 自
Grammar to study at this level
Last updated Jul 22, 2026
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