Personally
Personal view
Use `personally` to share your opinion politely without sounding like you are attacking others' views.
15秒でわかる
- Use it to mark a statement as your own private opinion.
- Place it at the start of sentences to soften your tone.
- It helps avoid sounding like you are stating facts or judging.
意味
You use this word to show that you are sharing your own opinion. It helps people see that what you are saying is just your view, not a fact for everyone.
主な例文
3 / 6Choosing a restaurant with friends
Personally, I'd rather have pizza than sushi tonight.
Personally, I'd rather have pizza than sushi tonight.
Giving feedback in a work meeting
Personally, I think the blue design is more professional.
Personally, I think the blue design is more professional.
Texting a friend about a popular movie
Personally, I thought the ending was a bit boring.
Personally, I thought the ending was a bit boring.
文化的背景
The phrase reflects the Western cultural emphasis on individualism and 'I-statements.' It is a key tool in 'politeness theory,' allowing speakers to express disagreement without being confrontational. In British and American English, it is often used to soften a critique of someone else's work.
The Comma Rule
When you start a sentence with `personally`, always put a comma after it in writing. It mimics the natural pause we take when speaking.
Don't Over-Personalize
If you use it in every sentence, you might sound like you aren't listening to others. Use it once to establish your view, then move on.
15秒でわかる
- Use it to mark a statement as your own private opinion.
- Place it at the start of sentences to soften your tone.
- It helps avoid sounding like you are stating facts or judging.
What It Means
Personally is like a small flag you wave before speaking. It tells people, "This is my brain's opinion." It turns a strong statement into a softer, individual one. Instead of saying "This coffee is bad," you say "Personally, I don't like this coffee." It makes you sound more polite and less bossy. It shows you respect that others might feel differently.
How To Use It
Put it at the very start of your sentence. Follow it with a small pause or a comma. You can also put it after the subject of the sentence. For example, "I personally think we should go." It adds a little bit of extra weight to your feelings. Use it when you want to be clear about your taste. It works great with verbs like think, feel, believe, or prefer. It is the ultimate tool for sharing a hot take without starting a fight.
When To Use It
Use it in meetings when you disagree with the boss. Use it with friends when choosing a movie to watch. It is perfect for product reviews or talking about food. If someone asks for your advice, start with personally. It reminds them that you are just one person with one perspective. It is very common in emails when giving feedback. It helps keep the vibe friendly and professional at the same time.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for facts that everyone knows. Saying "Personally, I think the sun is hot" sounds very silly. Avoid using it too much in a single conversation. If every sentence starts with personally, you might sound a bit self-centered. Don't use it if you are 100% sure about a data-driven result. In a scientific report, your personal view usually matters less than the numbers. Also, don't use it if you are trying to be very aggressive or commanding.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, people value individual opinions highly. However, they also try to avoid being too direct or rude. Personally is a linguistic "buffer." It allows for disagreement while maintaining social harmony. It became very popular in the late 20th century as workplaces became less formal. It reflects a culture that prefers "I-statements" over "You-statements." It helps avoid sounding like you are attacking someone else's choices.
Common Variations
If you want to sound even more polite, try Speaking personally. If you want to be very casual, you can say For me. In a more formal setting, you might use As far as I'm concerned. Some people say In my humble opinion (or IMHO in texts). If you want to be very clear, try From my perspective. All of these do the same job of highlighting your individual point of view.
使い方のコツ
Mainly used in neutral or informal speech. In formal writing, it is often seen as 'wordy' and is usually removed to make the writing stronger.
The Comma Rule
When you start a sentence with `personally`, always put a comma after it in writing. It mimics the natural pause we take when speaking.
Don't Over-Personalize
If you use it in every sentence, you might sound like you aren't listening to others. Use it once to establish your view, then move on.
The 'Polite Disagreement' Secret
In English culture, saying 'You are wrong' is rude. Saying 'Personally, I see it differently' is considered very polite and sophisticated.
例文
6Personally, I'd rather have pizza than sushi tonight.
Personally, I'd rather have pizza than sushi tonight.
Softens the preference so friends don't feel pressured.
Personally, I think the blue design is more professional.
Personally, I think the blue design is more professional.
Offers a critique without sounding like a direct order.
Personally, I thought the ending was a bit boring.
Personally, I thought the ending was a bit boring.
Shares a 'hot take' or unpopular opinion gently.
Personally, I believe pineapple belongs in the trash, not on pizza!
Personally, I believe pineapple belongs in the trash, not on pizza!
The phrase adds a mock-serious tone to a funny argument.
Personally, I always thought you were too good for him anyway.
Personally, I always thought you were too good for him anyway.
Shows personal loyalty and emotional support.
I personally find long flights very exhausting.
I personally find long flights very exhausting.
Used in the middle of the sentence for extra emphasis.
自分をテスト
Choose the best word to complete the sentence where someone is sharing their taste in music.
___, I find jazz music very relaxing.
Personally is used here to show that the feeling about jazz is a private, individual opinion.
Where is the most natural place to put 'personally' in this sentence?
___ I don't think we should buy that expensive car.
Starting a sentence with 'Personally' sets the stage for a subjective opinion.
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ビジュアル学習ツール
Formality Level of 'Personally'
Used with friends/family
Personally, I hate that song.
Standard daily use
Personally, I prefer the other option.
Business meetings/emails
Personally, I believe this strategy is best.
Where to use 'Personally'
Food reviews
Personally, it was too salty.
Office meetings
Personally, I disagree.
Shopping
Personally, I like the red one.
Movie debates
Personally, it was too long.
よくある質問
10 問Yes, they are very similar! Personally feels a bit more natural and conversational in spoken English than In my opinion.
It's rare. You might hear ...speaking personally, but usually, it belongs at the start or right after the word I.
Usually, no. In academic writing, you should avoid the first person. Instead of Personally, I think..., just state your argument directly.
Personally is for opinions. Actually is for correcting a mistake or giving a surprising fact, like Actually, the meeting is at 5 PM.
No, personally only refers to your own views. You can't say Personally, he likes apples.
Not at all! It's actually very helpful because it shows you are offering a suggestion rather than challenging their authority.
Not really, but in texts, people use IMHO (In My Humble Opinion) to mean something very similar.
Yes! You can say I will personally deliver the letter. This means you will do it yourself instead of sending someone else.
Sometimes. People use it to give themselves a second to think before they finish their sentence.
Native speakers often say it quickly, like 'PER-sun-lee,' almost skipping the 'al' sound in the middle.
関連フレーズ
For me
A very casual way to express a personal preference.
In my view
A slightly more formal way to share an opinion.
To be honest
Used when sharing an opinion that might be surprising or slightly negative.
If you ask me
A common way to offer an opinion, even if no one asked.
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