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.
He is financially independent.
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.
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).
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.
That country became independent in 1960.
He works for an independent research organization.
Emphasizes autonomy and self-determination. Often used for voluntary actions or self-governing bodies.
Means 'neutral' or 'independent' in the sense of not taking sides. Used for countries, observers, or media.
Switzerland is known as an independent (neutral) country.
Describing things that are not linked or influenced by each other.
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.
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.
A loanword meaning 'at one's own pace'. Describes someone who does things their own way without being influenced by others. Casual.
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).
That shop is an independent coffee shop.
Loanword from 'indies', used for independent music, films, games, etc. Often implies a non-mainstream, DIY ethos.
He plays guitar in an independent band.
Specifically means 'privately owned' or 'family-run', emphasizing that it's not a chain store.
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.
The organization is run independently from the government.
That's not an independent issue; it's a separate issue.
He is independent and doesn't wait for instructions.
This restaurant is independent (privately owned) and has a warm atmosphere.
independent clause (grammar)