Translation guide
This guide covers how to express the idea of becoming independent in Japanese, from personal autonomy to national sovereignty.
To become self-sufficient, stand on one's own feet, or live independently.
The most common and general term for becoming independent, especially financially or emotionally. Used for individuals.
彼は大学を卒業してから自立した。
He became independent after graduating from university.
親から自立して生活したい。
I want to live independently from my parents.
Literally 'stand alone'. Emphasizes the act of becoming independent and self-reliant, often used for young adults leaving the nest.
息子が独り立ちして、家を出た。
My son became independent and moved out.
Can be used for personal independence, but often implies a more formal or legal separation, such as starting one's own business or becoming independent from an organization.
彼は会社を辞めて独立した。
He quit the company and became independent (started his own business).
Means to become a full-fledged adult or professional, implying independence and competence. Often used in the context of mastering a skill or trade.
彼は料理人として一人前になった。
He became a fully independent chef.
To become independent as a country, state, or institution.
The standard term for a country or organization gaining independence.
その国は1960年に独立した。
The country became independent in 1960.
独立記念日を祝う。
Celebrate Independence Day.
To gain autonomy or self-governance, often used for regions or groups within a larger entity.
その地域は自治権を得て、事実上独立した。
The region gained autonomy and became virtually independent.
To become financially self-sufficient, not relying on others for money.
Specifically refers to financial independence.
彼女は経済的に自立している。
She is financially independent.
A colloquial way to say 'become able to make a living', implying financial independence.
フリーランスで食べていけるようになった。
I became able to support myself as a freelancer.
To become independent-minded, not influenced by others.
To have autonomy or self-direction. Often used in educational or workplace contexts.
子供に自主性を持たせることが大切だ。
It's important to let children become independent (in their thinking).
To have an independent spirit or mind.
彼女は独立心が強い。
She has a strong independent spirit.
自立 (jiritsu) is primarily used for personal self-reliance and emotional/financial independence. 独立 (dokuritsu) is broader, covering national independence, business startups, and formal separation. For personal independence, 自立 is more natural unless a legal or organizational context is implied.
The English phrase 'become independent' cannot always be directly translated as 独立になる (dokuritsu ni naru). The natural Japanese expressions are 自立する, 独立する, or other context-specific phrases. Using 独立になる is ungrammatical.