Translation guide
Expresses doing something alone, without help, or by one's own effort. Japanese often uses adverbs, verbs with 'one person', or phrases emphasizing solo action.
The most common meaning: accomplishing a task entirely by oneself.
Standard and versatile way to say 'alone' or 'by oneself'. Can be used with any verb.
彼は一人でそのプロジェクトを完成させた。
He completed the project single-handedly.
Did you eat it all by yourself?
Emphasizes using one's own power or ability, slightly more formal/literary.
彼女は独力で会社を立ち上げた。
She single-handedly started the company.
Adds emphasis: 'just one person', highlighting the feat.
たった一人で敵を全員倒した。
He defeated all the enemies single-handedly.
Means 'independently' or 'solo', often used in news or formal contexts.
犯人は単独で行動していた。
The culprit was acting alone.
Emphasizing the impressive nature of doing something without assistance.
Literally 'to accomplish alone', strongly conveys single-handed achievement.
彼は一人でその難題をやり遂げた。
He single-handedly tackled that difficult task.
Formal version of 'accomplish alone', suitable for writing.
彼女は独力で偉業を成し遂げた。
She single-handedly achieved a great feat.
Sometimes 'single-handedly' implies a lack of support or being left to do something alone.
Literally 'without borrowing anyone's help', emphasizes no assistance.
彼は誰の助けも借りずに問題を解決した。
He solved the problem single-handedly, without anyone's help.
Means 'to shoulder alone', often used for burdens or responsibilities.
彼女は家族の問題を一人で背負っていた。
She single-handedly bore the family's problems.
There is no single Japanese word that directly translates 'single-handedly' in all contexts. Using 片手で (katate de, 'with one hand') would mean physically using one hand, not doing something alone.
In casual speech, 一人で (hitori de) is the most natural and common way to express 'single-handedly'. For emphasis, add たった (tatta) before it.