How to say "independence" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 独立どくりつnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbThe broad default for independence, whether of a nation or of a person standing on their own. Use this for political independence, for financial independence, and in most everyday contexts.
- 自立じりつsuru verb, intransitive verb, no-adjectiveIndependence in the sense of self-reliance: supporting oneself without depending on others, as with financial or emotional independence. The focus is on not leaning on family or others.私はもう自立できる年です。↗I'm old enough to support myself.
- 自主じしゅnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbIndependence as autonomy of action and decision-making: doing or deciding things on one's own initiative rather than under outside control. Less about self-support than about acting independently.
- 一本立ちいっぽんだちnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbIndependence in the image of standing on one's own two feet, typically of a young person leaving parental support to make their own way. Figurative and personal, not used for nations.
- 分立ぶんりつnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbChiefly a way to say separation or segregation of entities, with independence only as a marginal sense, as in bodies standing apart from each other. Seldom the word you want for ordinary independence.
独立 covers general and national/personal independence, 自立 self-reliant standing on one's own, 自主 acting autonomously, 「一本立ち」 becoming independent after depending on others, and 分立 is mainly separation rather than independence.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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