student asking question

Is there a difference in nuance if I omit 'self-' in this sentence? I think it's better to use 'conscious' or 'aware' when talking about general things like environmental issues.

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

When "self" is used in combination with another word, it usually indicates that this is an action being done to oneself. For example, a "self-reflection" is a reflection done by a person about themselves. "Self-conscious" is the same thing - it means to be aware (conscious) of oneself. Thus, if someone were to say that they were feeling "self-conscious," it means that they are feeling particularly aware (even nervous!) about themselves and how they might be perceived by others. Ex: I wore an ugly shirt to school and felt self-conscious all day. Ex: I have always had an independent and self-reliant personality.

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