自分の vs 自らの when used for humans


What's the difference between 自分の and 自らの?

Both can be used to mean "oneself", but is there a difference in their nuances
/ usages?

(e.g. what would be the difference between あの子は、自らの命と引換に… and あの子は、自分の命と引換に…
?)




I can think of two differences:

  * 自分 can only be used for referring to singular, you can use 自ら for referring to a _group_ of people.

**Examples**

> 社員たちが自らの力で組織内の問題を解決する。
>
> 子供たちが自らの力で未来を切り拓いていく。

  * 自ら can have implied meaning of "not relying on others" or "by one's own will".

**Example**

> 自ら勉強する
>
> 自分で勉強する

In the above, 自分で simply means by "oneself". However, 自ら has the implied
meaning that you have not relied on others in anyway. For example, no one has
told you to study, you are doing it by your own will.

Otherwise, the two can be used interchangeably as shown in your example.




I can think of two differences:

  * 自分 can only be used for referring to singular, you can use 自ら for referring to a _group_ of people.

**Examples**

> 社員たちが自らの力で組織内の問題を解決する。
>
> 子供たちが自らの力で未来を切り拓いていく。

  * 自ら can have implied meaning of "not relying on others" or "by one's own will".

**Example**

> 自ら勉強する
>
> 自分で勉強する

In the above, 自分で simply means by "oneself". However, 自ら has the implied
meaning that you have not relied on others in anyway. For example, no one has
told you to study, you are doing it by your own will.

Otherwise, the two can be used interchangeably as shown in your example.

