Translation guide
Expressing the state or act of being alone in Japanese, from physical solitude to emotional loneliness.
一人でいるのが好きです。
I like being alone.
寂しいです。
I feel lonely.
Describing the state of being by oneself, often with a neutral or positive nuance (e.g., enjoying alone time).
The most common and neutral way to say 'being alone' as a state. It simply means existing by oneself without implying loneliness.
週末は一人でいるのが好きです。
I like being alone on weekends.
The noun form meaning 'alone' or 'by oneself'. Often used in set phrases.
独りで過ごす時間も大切だ。
Time spent alone is also important.
Emphasizes being all alone, often with a slightly childish or pitiable nuance. Can be used neutrally but often carries a hint of loneliness.
一人ぼっちで遊んでいた。
I was playing all by myself.
Expressing the feeling of loneliness or emotional isolation, not just physical aloneness.
The standard word for 'loneliness' or 'solitude' with a strong emotional component. Can be used for both the state and the feeling.
孤独を感じることがある。
I sometimes feel lonely.
An i-adjective meaning 'lonely' or 'miss someone/something'. Describes the emotional state rather than the physical state.
Literally 'feeling of loneliness', a more formal or psychological term.
Referring to the lifestyle or situation of living by oneself, independently.
The standard term for 'living alone'. It refers to the lifestyle, not just a temporary state.
大学生になって一人暮らしを始めた。
I started living alone when I became a university student.
Means 'unmarried' or 'single', often implying living alone, but not exclusively. Focuses on marital status.
Describing performing an action without others, emphasizing independence or lack of company.
The most common pattern for 'doing something alone'. Simply attach 一人で before the verb.
一人で映画を見に行った。
I went to see a movie alone.
Emphasizes 'by oneself' or 'on one's own', often implying without help or company.
自分だけで問題を解決した。
I solved the problem by myself.
Expressing the enjoyment or deliberate choice of being alone, often for reflection or peace.
A literary term meaning 'aloofness' or 'standing alone in a proud, noble way'. Implies a chosen, dignified solitude.
彼は孤高の芸術家だ。
He is a solitary artist.
A phrase meaning 'quiet alone time', often used positively to describe cherished solitude.
静かな一人の時間を楽しんでいる。
I'm enjoying some quiet alone time.
While both can be read ひとり, 一人 is the standard way to write 'one person' or 'alone'. 独り is used in specific compounds like 独り言 (ひとりごと, soliloquy) or to emphasize solitude. In most cases, 一人 is preferred.
孤独 (こどく) is a noun describing the state of loneliness, often more existential or long-term. 寂しい (さびしい) is an adjective describing the immediate feeling of loneliness or missing someone. Use 寂しい for everyday emotional expression.
孤独な老人
a lonely old person
友達がいなくて寂しい。
I'm lonely because I have no friends.
一人でいると寂しくなる。
I get lonely when I'm alone.
孤独感に苛まれる。
I am tormented by a feeling of loneliness.
独身なので自由な時間が多い。
Since I'm single, I have a lot of free time.