Translation guide
Expresses doing something independently, without help, or alone. Japanese uses different expressions depending on whether the focus is on independence, solitude, or voluntary action.
The subject accomplishes something using only their own ability or resources, without assistance.
The most common and versatile way to say 'by oneself' or 'on one's own' when emphasizing personal effort or ability. Used with action verbs.
彼は自分で料理を作った。
He cooked the meal on his own.
Do your homework on your own.
Literally 'with one's own power'. More formal and emphatic than 自分で, often used in written or formal contexts.
彼は独力で会社を立ち上げた。
He started the company on his own.
Similar to 独力で, emphasizes self-reliance, often used when overcoming difficulties without external help.
彼女は自力で問題を解決した。
She solved the problem on her own.
The subject is physically alone or does something without other people present.
Standard way to say 'alone' or 'by oneself' when emphasizing solitude. Can be used with any verb.
彼は一人で暮らしている。
He lives on his own.
一人で映画を見に行った。
I went to see a movie on my own.
More formal, often used in news or official contexts to mean 'solo' or 'independently'.
彼は単独で山に登った。
He climbed the mountain on his own.
The subject does something without being told or forced, on their own initiative.
Used when someone takes action voluntarily, without prompting. Often paired with verbs like する, 言う, やる.
彼は自分から手伝いを申し出た。
He offered to help on his own.
子供が自分から部屋を片付けた。
The child cleaned the room on his own.
Formal adverb meaning 'spontaneously' or 'voluntarily'. Used in more serious or written contexts.
彼は自発的にその仕事を引き受けた。
He took on the task on his own initiative.
The subject lives or acts in a self-sufficient manner, without depending on others for support.
Often used for financial or social independence, such as living on one's own or starting a business.
彼は親から独立して暮らしている。
He lives on his own, independent from his parents.
Emphasizes self-reliance and personal autonomy, often used in contexts of personal growth or rehabilitation.
彼女は経済的に自立している。
She is financially on her own.
自分で focuses on doing something by one's own effort or ability, while 一人で focuses on being physically alone. For example, 自分で作った means 'I made it myself (without help)', whereas 一人で作った means 'I made it alone (with no one else present)'.
このケーキは自分で作りました。
I made this cake on my own (by myself).
一人でケーキを作るのは寂しい。
Making a cake on your own (alone) is lonely.
The English phrase 'on one's own' cannot be directly translated word-for-word into Japanese. Using 〜の上に or similar literal renderings will be incomprehensible. Always choose an appropriate phrase based on the intended meaning.