我 means “I, we, self”

われ · ware

Also: ego, selfish, our

Kun'yomi (Japanese reading): われ, わ, わが-
On'yomi (Chinese reading): ガ

JLPT N1 · Taught in grade 6 · 7 strokes

The story

The right side is 戈, a halberd: the oldest form of 我 drew a weapon with a jagged blade, later borrowed for 'I, we'. 我々 is 'we' in speeches, 我が家 is 'my home', and 我慢, quiet endurance, began as a Buddhist word for self-pride.

Used in 我慢 (gaman, patience/endurance), 我々 (wareware, we), and 我が家 (wagaya, my home/our family)

我 means “I, we, self”

The story

More from Who's Who