Translation guide
The ability to provide for oneself without outside help, covering economic independence, food production, and emotional self-reliance.
Describing a person, household, or country that supports itself without external aid.
The most common term for self-sufficiency, especially in food, energy, or economic contexts. Often used for farming or national policy.
彼らは自給自足の生活を送っている。
They live a self-sufficient lifestyle.
Independence or self-reliance, often used for personal financial or social independence. Broader than 自給自足.
経済的に自立したい。
I want to become financially independent.
Independence, often used for nations or organizations, but can apply to individuals. Emphasizes separation from reliance on others.
その国はエネルギー独立を目指している。
That country is aiming for energy independence.
Specifically about growing or producing one's own food.
The standard term for food self-sufficiency, often used in agricultural contexts.
この村は食料を自給自足している。
This village is self-sufficient in food.
Not depending on others for emotional support or validation.
Often used for emotional independence, especially in personal development contexts.
精神的な自立が大切だ。
Mental independence is important.
Literally 'to support oneself by oneself', a natural way to express emotional self-sufficiency.
彼女は自分で自分を支えられる強い人だ。
She is a strong person who can support herself emotionally.
Describing a person who can handle things on their own without help.
A natural, colloquial way to say someone is capable and self-sufficient.
彼は一人で何でもできるから頼もしい。
He's reliable because he can do everything by himself.
Supporting oneself financially; often used for living independently without family support.
彼はアルバイトで自活している。
He supports himself with a part-time job.
自給自足 (jikyū jisoku) is specifically about producing what you consume, especially food and resources. 自立 (jiritsu) is broader personal independence, including financial and emotional. 独立 (dokuritsu) often implies separation from a larger entity, like a country or company.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all nuances of 'self-sufficiency'. Using 自給自足 for emotional independence would sound odd. Choose the term based on context.
彼らはエネルギーの自給自足を達成した。
They achieved self-sufficiency in energy.
彼女は自立を大切にしている。
She values her independence.
Food self-sufficiency rate, a common metric in Japanese policy discussions.
日本の食料自給率は低い。
Japan's food self-sufficiency rate is low.