Translation guide
Expressing the state or act of being alone in Japanese, from physical solitude to emotional loneliness.
I like being alone.
I feel lonely.
Describing the state of being by oneself, often with a neutral or positive nuance (e.g., enjoying alone time).
The most common and neutral way to say 'being alone' as a state. It simply means existing by oneself without implying loneliness.
I like being alone on weekends.
The noun form meaning 'alone' or 'by oneself'. Often used in set phrases.
Expressing the feeling of loneliness or emotional isolation, not just physical aloneness.
The standard word for 'loneliness' or 'solitude' with a strong emotional component. Can be used for both the state and the feeling.
Referring to the lifestyle or situation of living by oneself, independently.
Describing performing an action without others, emphasizing independence or lack of company.
The most common pattern for 'doing something alone'. Simply attach 一人で before the verb.
Expressing the enjoyment or deliberate choice of being alone, often for reflection or peace.
A literary term meaning 'aloofness' or 'standing alone in a proud, noble way'. Implies a chosen, dignified solitude.
While both can be read ひとり, 一人 is the standard way to write 'one person' or 'alone'. 独り is used in specific compounds like 独り言 (ひとりごと, soliloquy) or to emphasize solitude. In most cases, 一人 is preferred.
独りで過ごす時間も大切だ。
Time spent alone is also important.
Emphasizes being all alone, often with a slightly childish or pitiable nuance. Can be used neutrally but often carries a hint of loneliness.
I was playing all by myself.
I sometimes feel lonely.
An i-adjective meaning 'lonely' or 'miss someone/something'. Describes the emotional state rather than the physical state.
I get lonely when I'm alone.
Literally 'feeling of loneliness', a more formal or psychological term.
I am tormented by a feeling of loneliness.
The standard term for 'living alone'. It refers to the lifestyle, not just a temporary state.
I started living alone when I became a university student.
Means 'unmarried' or 'single', often implying living alone, but not exclusively. Focuses on marital status.
Since I'm single, I have a lot of free time.
I went to see a movie alone.
Emphasizes 'by oneself' or 'on one's own', often implying without help or company.
I solved the problem by myself.
He is a solitary artist.
A phrase meaning 'quiet alone time', often used positively to describe cherished solitude.
I'm enjoying some quiet alone time.
独り言を言う
talk to oneself
孤独 (こどく) is a noun describing the state of loneliness, often more existential or long-term. 寂しい (さびしい) is an adjective describing the immediate feeling of loneliness or missing someone. Use 寂しい for everyday emotional expression.
a lonely old person
I'm lonely because I have no friends.