noun
spirit of self-reliance; feeling of independence
Refers to an inner drive or mindset to be independent and self-sufficient, often used in contexts of personal growth or education.
子供の自立心を育てるには、自分で決めさせる経験が大切だ。
To foster a child's spirit of self-reliance, it is important to let them make their own decisions.
彼女は強い自立心を持っ
She has a strong feeling of independence and lives without relying on anyone.
独立心 is similar but often implies a stronger desire for complete autonomy or separation, whereas 自立心 focuses on self-sufficiency and personal responsibility.
Compound of 自立 (self-reliance) + 心 (mind, spirit). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word transparently combines these elements.