Translation guide
The English word 'independent' can describe people, organizations, countries, or things that are not controlled by others, not relying on others, or separate. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these meanings.
Describing a person who supports themselves or makes their own decisions without depending on others.
Used for people who are self-reliant, both financially and mentally. Often used in contexts of becoming independent from parents.
彼は経済的に自立している。
He is financially independent.
子どもが自立するのは親として嬉しいことだ。
It's a happy thing for parents when their children become independent.
Can also be used for personal independence, but often implies a more formal or complete separation, like starting one's own business or living alone.
彼は親から独立して一人暮らしを始めた。
He became independent from his parents and started living alone.
Means 'full-fledged' or 'independent' in the sense of being a capable adult. Often used in phrases like 一人前の大人 (a full-fledged adult).
彼はもう一人前の社会人だ。
He is already an independent member of society.
Describing an entity that operates freely without external control or influence.
The standard term for political, organizational, or operational independence. Used for countries, companies, media, etc.
その国は1960年に独立した。
That country became independent in 1960.
彼は独立した調査機関で働いている。
He works for an independent research organization.
Emphasizes autonomy and self-determination. Often used for voluntary actions or self-governing bodies.
その団体は政府から自主的に運営されている。
The organization is run independently from the government.
Means 'neutral' or 'independent' in the sense of not taking sides. Used for countries, observers, or media.
スイスは中立国として知られている。
Switzerland is known as an independent (neutral) country.
Describing things that are not linked or influenced by each other.
Used for things that are separate and not dependent on each other, like independent events or variables.
これらの二つの問題は独立している。
These two issues are independent of each other.
Means 'separate' or 'distinct'. Emphasizes that things are not the same or not connected.
それは独立した問題ではなく、別個の問題だ。
That's not an independent issue; it's a separate issue.
Describing a person who thinks and acts for themselves, not following the crowd.
Emphasizes self-directed, voluntary action. Often used for independent study or decision-making.
彼女はとても自主的で、自分で何でも決める。
She is very independent and decides everything by herself.
Means having initiative or agency. Used to describe someone who takes charge of their own life.
彼は主体性があって、指示を待たない。
He is independent and doesn't wait for instructions.
A loanword meaning 'at one's own pace'. Describes someone who does things their own way without being influenced by others. Casual.
彼はマイペースで、周りに流されない。
He is independent and doesn't get swept along by others.
Describing a business, artist, or product that is not part of a larger corporation or mainstream system.
Used for independent businesses, labels, or media. Common in phrases like 独立系書店 (independent bookstore).
あの店は独立系のコーヒーショップだ。
That shop is an independent coffee shop.
Loanword from 'indies', used for independent music, films, games, etc. Often implies a non-mainstream, DIY ethos.
彼はインディーズのバンドでギターを弾いている。
He plays guitar in an independent band.
Specifically means 'privately owned' or 'family-run', emphasizing that it's not a chain store.
このレストランは個人経営で、温かみがある。
This restaurant is independent (privately owned) and has a warm atmosphere.
自立 (jiritsu) is used for personal self-reliance, like becoming financially or emotionally independent. 独立 (dokuritsu) is broader and can refer to countries, organizations, or businesses becoming independent, as well as personal independence when it involves a clear separation (e.g., moving out). For personal independence, 自立 is often more natural.
English uses 'independent' in many collocations (independent study, independent contractor, independent clause) that have fixed Japanese equivalents. For example, 'independent study' is 自主学習 (jishu gakushuu), not 独立した勉強. Always check if a set phrase exists.