Meaning & usage
自体 marks a noun as the very thing itself, considered apart from its surroundings, effects, or implications. It is often used when evaluating that core item before adding a contrast, as with something small yet popular. It attaches directly to a noun to form 失敗自体 or 彼の意見自体, to a nominalized clause as in 旅行すること自体, while それ自体 is used alone to refer back to an established topic. Particles like は, が, or では follow the whole phrase.
Example sentences 8
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この物質はそれ自体では有毒ではない。
This substance is not poisonous in itself.
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トランプをすることはそれ自体に害はない。
Playing cards is not in itself harmful.
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この薬はそれ自体では毒ではない。
This medicine is not a poison in itself.
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この映画自体は短いが、内容が深い。
The movie itself is short, but the story is deep.
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失敗自体は悪いことではない。
Failure itself is not a bad thing.
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旅行すること自体が楽しみだ。
The very act of traveling is enjoyable.
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彼の意見自体には賛成だ。
I agree with his opinion itself.
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この店自体は小さいが人気がある。
The shop itself is small, but it is popular.
In past JLPT papers
This came up in 1 past exam question.
