Translation guide
The ability to provide for oneself without outside help, covering economic independence, food production, and emotional self-reliance.
Describing a person, household, or country that supports itself without external aid.
The most common term for self-sufficiency, especially in food, energy, or economic contexts. Often used for farming or national policy.
They live a self-sufficient lifestyle.
Independence or self-reliance, often used for personal financial or social independence. Broader than 自給自足.
Independence, often used for nations or organizations, but can apply to individuals. Emphasizes separation from reliance on others.
Specifically about growing or producing one's own food.
Not depending on others for emotional support or validation.
Often used for emotional independence, especially in personal development contexts.
Describing a person who can handle things on their own without help.
A natural, colloquial way to say someone is capable and self-sufficient.
自給自足 (jikyū jisoku) is specifically about producing what you consume, especially food and resources. 自立 (jiritsu) is broader personal independence, including financial and emotional. 独立 (dokuritsu) often implies separation from a larger entity, like a country or company.
They achieved self-sufficiency in energy.
I want to become financially independent.
その国はエネルギー独立を目指している。
That country is aiming for energy independence.
The standard term for food self-sufficiency, often used in agricultural contexts.
This village is self-sufficient in food.
Food self-sufficiency rate, a common metric in Japanese policy discussions.
Japan's food self-sufficiency rate is low.
Mental independence is important.
Literally 'to support oneself by oneself', a natural way to express emotional self-sufficiency.
She is a strong person who can support herself emotionally.
He's reliable because he can do everything by himself.
Supporting oneself financially; often used for living independently without family support.
He supports himself with a part-time job.
become independent from parents
an independent nation
There is no single Japanese word that covers all nuances of 'self-sufficiency'. Using 自給自足 for emotional independence would sound odd. Choose the term based on context.
She values her independence.