Japanese doesn’t use a single word for “I.” Instead, it offers a variety of first-person pronouns—each colored by gender, formality, personality, or regional flavor. What you choose to say can say a lot about how you see yourself—or how you’d like others to see you.
Here are 10 ways to say “I” in Japanese, when (and why) to use them, and how they reflect Japanese culture and identity.
1. 私（わたし / watashi）
Formal. Polite. Universal.
This is the standard go-to pronoun. Common in polite speech, writing, and professional contexts. Used by both women and men, though it leans slightly feminine in casual situations. Ideal for beginners and safe in almost any context.
2. 僕（ぼく / boku）
Gentle. Humble. Masculine.
Polite but less formal than watashi. Commonly used by boys and men in both casual and professional settings. It conveys softness, humility, and friendliness.
3. 俺（おれ / ore）
Informal. Confident. Masculine.
Rougher and more assertive. Frequently used by men in casual conversations with friends. Can come across as arrogant or inappropriate in formal or unfamiliar situations.
4. 私（わたくし / watakushi）
Extremely Formal. Reserved.
A very polite variant of watashi, used in highly official contexts such as ceremonial speeches, business presentations, or formal customer service. Rare in daily conversation.
5. あたし (atashi)
Informal. Feminine.
A softer, more casual variation of watashi, mostly used by women in everyday, informal speech. Avoid in formal situations, as it lacks professionalism.
6. うち (uchi)
Regional. Casual. Feminine.
Popular in western Japan, especially the Kansai region. Literally means “home” or “household,” but often used to mean “I” among women. It adds a local, intimate feel to conversations.
7. 自分 (jibun)
Neutral. Reflective.
Literally means “oneself.” Often used by athletes, soldiers, or those emphasizing group identity over individualism. It can sound humble, disciplined, or team-oriented.
8. 我（われ / ware）
Classical. Formal. Literary.
Appears in traditional writings, speeches, and formal documents. Rare in conversation. Useful for reading history, legal language, or ancient texts.
9. 当方（とうほう / tōhō）
Formal. Distant. Businesslike.
A highly formal, somewhat stiff way to say “I” or “we,” often used in written business correspondence, contracts, or official documents. It implies distance and professionalism rather than personal identity. Not used in spoken everyday language.
10. わし (washi)
Old-fashioned. Rustic. Masculine.
An older, somewhat rural pronoun used mostly by elderly men. Still heard in regional dialects, especially in western Japan and in period dramas or anime. Conveys a humble yet traditional personality, often associated with age, wisdom, or countryside masculinity.
So… Which “I” Should You Use?
- If you’re a beginner in Japanese: Start with watashi. It’s the safest and most versatile.
- If you’re a man speaking casually: boku is polite and soft; ore is more direct and masculine.
- If you’re a woman: Use watashi for general use, atashi for casual speech, or uchi if you’re from Kansai.
- If you’re writing formally or for business: Choose watakushi or tōhō, depending on the level of formality.
- If you’re elderly (or playing one in fiction): washi fits that classic, traditional tone.
