Translation guide
The ability to depend on oneself, make one's own decisions, and live without excessive reliance on others. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various words and phrases emphasizing independence, personal responsibility, and self-sufficiency.
Expressing the general idea of being self-reliant, independent, and not relying on others.
The most common and direct term for self-reliance or independence, often used in personal, social, and economic contexts.
彼は経済的に自立している。
He is financially self-reliant.
親から自立して生活する。
To live independently from one's parents.
Often used for independence in a broader sense, including national independence or starting one's own business. Can also refer to personal 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 casual, everyday phrase meaning 'to do it oneself,' emphasizing personal action without help.
何でも自分でやろうとする。
Tries to do everything by oneself.
Focusing on the ability to take care of oneself in daily life, such as cooking, cleaning, and managing personal affairs.
Specifically refers to supporting oneself financially and managing one's own life without depending on others.
彼女はアルバイトで自活している。
She supports herself with a part-time job.
Describes handling personal daily tasks independently, such as dressing, eating, and hygiene.
子供に身の回りのことを自分でさせる。
Make children do things for themselves.
The ability to think and make decisions independently, without being overly influenced by others.
Refers to autonomy, self-direction, and the capacity to act on one's own initiative.
自主性を重んじる教育。
Education that values self-reliance.
Emphasizes being the agent of one's own actions and decisions, often used in contexts of proactive behavior.
Referring to self-reliance as an ideal or principle, often in the context of personal development or cultural values.
自立 (jiritsu) is more about personal self-reliance and standing on one's own feet, while 独立 (dokuritsu) often implies separation from a larger entity (e.g., a country becoming independent, or a person leaving a company to start their own). For everyday personal independence, 自立 is usually more appropriate.
The phrase 自分で (by oneself) is extremely common and versatile. It can be combined with many verbs to express doing something without help: 自分で決める (decide for oneself), 自分で作る (make it oneself), etc. It's a natural way to convey self-reliance in daily conversation.
主体性を持って行動する。
Act with self-reliance.