Translation guide
The concept of independence in Japanese is expressed through words that emphasize self-reliance, autonomy, or freedom from external control. The most common term is 自立, which focuses on personal self-sufficiency, while 独立 is used for political or organizational independence. Other expressions convey independence of mind or action.
Describing a person's ability to live, act, or think without depending on others.
The standard term for personal independence, self-reliance, or self-support. Often used in contexts like financial independence or independent living.
He is financially independent.
I live independently from my parents.
Literally 'standing alone', this emphasizes becoming self-sufficient, often used for young adults starting out on their own.
The day has come for my son to become independent.
Refers to autonomy or the quality of acting on one's own initiative, often used in educational or workplace settings.
We foster children's independence.
Referring to a country, organization, or entity becoming independent from external rule or control.
The primary term for political independence, sovereignty, or separation from a larger entity. Also used for independent businesses or branches.
The country declared independence.
A compound emphasizing both autonomy and independence, often used in political or ideological contexts.
Describing a person's independent thinking, freedom from influence, or strong-willed nature.
Refers to acting based on one's own judgment and responsibility, often used in personal development or teamwork contexts.
Act with independence and initiative.
Literally 'independent spirit', this describes a mindset of not relying on others and thinking for oneself.
An adjective meaning voluntary or self-motivated, often used to describe independent actions or attitudes.
自立 (jiritsu) is used for personal self-reliance, like living on your own or being financially independent. 独立 (dokuritsu) is for political independence or separating from a larger group, like a country or a business branch. Using 独立 for personal independence can sound overly dramatic or formal.
The English word 'independence' is broad. Directly translating it as 独立 in all contexts can lead to unnatural Japanese. For personal independence, 自立 is usually more appropriate.
He became independent and started his own company.
We value the spirit of independence and self-reliance.
She has a strong sense of independence.
I study independently (on my own initiative).