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.
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.
She single-handedly started the company.
Adds emphasis: 'just one person', highlighting the feat.
He defeated all the enemies single-handedly.
Means 'independently' or 'solo', often used in news or formal contexts.
The culprit was acting alone.
Emphasizing the impressive nature of doing something without assistance.
Sometimes 'single-handedly' implies a lack of support or being left to do something alone.
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.
She single-handedly achieved a great feat.
She single-handedly bore the family's problems.