Translation guide
The concept of independence in Japanese is expressed through words that emphasize self-reliance, autonomy, or freedom from external control. The most common term is 自立, which focuses on personal self-sufficiency, while 独立 is used for political or organizational independence. Other expressions convey independence of mind or action.
Describing a person's ability to live, act, or think without depending on others.
The standard term for personal independence, self-reliance, or self-support. Often used in contexts like financial independence or independent living.
彼は経済的に自立している。
He is financially independent.
親から自立して暮らす。
I live independently from my parents.
Literally 'standing alone', this emphasizes becoming self-sufficient, often used for young adults starting out on their own.
息子が一人立ちする日が来た。
The day has come for my son to become independent.
Refers to autonomy or the quality of acting on one's own initiative, often used in educational or workplace settings.
子供の自主性を育てる。
We foster children's independence.
Referring to a country, organization, or entity becoming independent from external rule or control.
The primary term for political independence, sovereignty, or separation from a larger entity. Also used for independent businesses or branches.
その国は独立を宣言した。
The country declared independence.
彼は独立して自分の会社を始めた。
He became independent and started his own company.
A compound emphasizing both autonomy and independence, often used in political or ideological contexts.
自主独立の精神を大切にする。
We value the spirit of independence and self-reliance.
Describing a person's independent thinking, freedom from influence, or strong-willed nature.
Refers to acting based on one's own judgment and responsibility, often used in personal development or teamwork contexts.
主体性を持って行動する。
Act with independence and initiative.
Literally 'independent spirit', this describes a mindset of not relying on others and thinking for oneself.
An adjective meaning voluntary or self-motivated, often used to describe independent actions or attitudes.
自立 (jiritsu) is used for personal self-reliance, like living on your own or being financially independent. 独立 (dokuritsu) is for political independence or separating from a larger group, like a country or a business branch. Using 独立 for personal independence can sound overly dramatic or formal.
The English word 'independence' is broad. Directly translating it as 独立 in all contexts can lead to unnatural Japanese. For personal independence, 自立 is usually more appropriate.
彼女は独立心が強い。
She has a strong sense of independence.
I study independently (on my own initiative).