The thing itself; the entity in question (emphasizing the thing itself rather than its surroundings or related matters).
問題自体は小さいが、放置すると大きくなる。
The problem itself is small, but if left alone it will grow.
それは手続きの問題であって、制度自体の欠陥ではない。
That's a procedural problem, not a defect in the system itself.
機械の外見ではなく性能自体を重視する。
Emphasize the machine's performance itself, not its appearance.
One's own body; oneself (referring to the person or their body itself).
怪我で自体に影響が出たため、しばらく休養が必要だ。
Because the injury affected his body itself, he needs to rest for a while.
外見より自体の健康が大事だ。
Health of the body itself is more important than appearance.
Originally; by nature; from the start — indicating that something is inherently or originally so.
この制度は自体からして複雑で、運用が難しい。
This system is inherently complex, so it's difficult to operate.
彼の言動は自体に誤解を生みやすいところがある。
His behavior is, by nature, prone to causing misunderstandings.