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自業自得
jigō jitoku◆idiom
you reap what you sow
彼は嘘をついたら警察に捕まった。自業自得だよ。
He lied and got caught by the police. He reaped what he sowed.
formal
A situation where someone experiences the natural consequences of their own actions, often negative.
自分の失敗を人のせいにするなんて、自業自得だ。
Blame others for your own failures? You reap what you sow.
彼は借金を返さなかったので、自業自得で財産を失った。
He didn’t repay his debts, so he lost his property as a result.
Used to criticize someone’s poor judgment or immoral behavior leading to their downfall.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
自業自得 is judgmental. Use it only when you want to emphasize that someone’s suffering is a direct result of their own mistakes, not to console them.
Gold Rule
Karmic Connotation
自業自得 carries a karmic or moral weight. It’s not just about any consequence but specifically about negative outcomes stemming from one’s own actions.
Word Origin
Derived from Buddhist teachings in the phrase 自業自受 (jigō jiju), meaning 'one bears the consequences of one’s own actions.' The modern form 自業自得 emerged in the Edo period, emphasizing the karmic return of actions.
Usage Notes
Often used in moral or critical contexts to highlight personal responsibility. Avoid using it lightly, as it implies judgment.
Word Breakdown
自業
one's own actions/deeds
noun自得
to receive as a result
verb和英辞典