How to say "self-reliance" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 独立どくりつnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbCovers being independent or on one's own, including becoming self-reliant by no longer depending on parents, a company, or a country. It carries a nuance of separating or standing apart from something.
- 自立じりつsuru verb, intransitive verb, no-adjectiveRefers to supporting oneself and managing on one's own, typically economically or in everyday life, as in becoming self-reliant after leaving home. The emphasis is on standing by oneself rather than on separation.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 verbMeans independence or autonomy in the sense of doing and deciding things by one's own initiative rather than being directed by others. It suits contexts of self-governed action; for 'self-reliance' in the supporting-oneself sense it is a weaker fit.
- 自助じじょnounCorresponds chiefly to 'self-help': the idea of helping oneself through one's own efforts, as in self-help efforts or principles. It is a marginal choice when you mean everyday self-reliance or independence; 自立 or 独立 is usually what you want there.
Use 独立 or 自立 for standing on one's own financially or in daily life (自立 focuses on oneself, 独立 also on separating from others), 自主 for acting on one's own initiative, and 自助 for self-help.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
This browser can't play pronunciations (needs Safari 18.4 or later, or Chrome / Edge / Firefox).
