Translation guide
The English word 'alone' can describe being physically by oneself, feeling lonely, or doing something without help. Japanese expresses these nuances with different words and phrases, and often relies on context rather than a direct translation.
Describing a state where no one else is present, without necessarily implying loneliness.
The most common and neutral way to say 'alone' in the sense of being by oneself. Can be used as a noun or adverb.
彼は一人で住んでいます。
He lives alone.
一人で映画を見に行った。
I went to see a movie alone.
Same reading as 一人, but this kanji emphasizes solitude or being on one's own. Often used in literary or emotional contexts.
独りぼっちの夜
A night all alone
Emphasizes doing something by oneself, without others. Often used when contrasting with doing something in a group.
自分だけでやってみます。
I'll try doing it alone.
Formal or technical term for 'alone' or 'solo', often used in news or official contexts.
彼は単独で山に登った。
He climbed the mountain alone.
Expressing an emotional state of loneliness, even when others are around.
The standard adjective for feeling lonely or missing someone. Can describe both a person and a situation.
一人でいると寂しくなる。
I feel lonely when I'm alone.
寂しい夜ですね。
It's a lonely night, isn't it?
A noun or na-adjective meaning 'solitude' or 'loneliness'. Often carries a heavier, more existential tone than 寂しい.
Accomplishing a task independently, without assistance from others.
The most common way to say 'by oneself' or 'alone' when doing something without help.
この問題を一人で解けました。
I was able to solve this problem alone.
Emphasizes using one's own power or effort, without relying on others.
彼は自力で会社を立ち上げた。
He started the company alone (by himself).
Similar to 自力で but more formal and less common. Used in written language.
独力で研究を完成させた。
He completed the research alone.
Emphasizing that someone or something is unique or singular in a context.
Means 'the only' or 'sole'. Used as a pre-noun modifier.
彼が唯一の生存者だ。
He is the only survivor.
Literally 'the only one person'. More emphatic than 唯一の in casual speech.
ただ一人の友達
My only friend
In English, 'alone' can be neutral, but 'lonely' is always negative. In Japanese, 一人 (hitori) is neutral, while 寂しい (sabishii) is negative. Be careful not to use 寂しい when you simply mean 'by myself' without sadness.
一人でいるのが好きです。
I like being alone.
Both read as ひとり. 一人 is the everyday kanji for 'one person' or 'alone'. 独り is used in literary or emotional contexts to emphasize solitude, as in 独り言 (talking to oneself) or 独りぼっち (all alone). In most situations, 一人 is sufficient.
I feel alone/lonely.
Describes feeling helpless and anxious from being alone or lacking support. Often used when in an unfamiliar place.
知らない街で一人だと心細い。
It's lonely and unsettling being alone in an unfamiliar city.