一人で
hitori de
The English phrase "by myself" is translated into Japanese as 一人で (hitori de).
一人で is used to say that someone is alone or doing something without any other people.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 'hitori' (one person) and the particle 'de', which indicates the manner or state in which an action is performed.
Which one should you use?
While 一人で is the standard way to say 'by myself', using the kanji 独りで (also read hitori de) often carries a stronger nuance of being lonely or isolated.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the particle 'wa' to 'hitori de' creates a contrastive form, often used to imply 'I can do it by myself (but I might need help with other things)' or 'By myself (as opposed to with others).'
How do you pronounce it?
hitori de
Did you know?
- The kanji 独 in 独りで is the same character used for the country of Germany (ドイツ is written in katakana, but the old name is 独逸), which shares a root meaning of 'solitary' or 'single'.
- In Japan, the concept of ソロ活 (sorokatsu) refers to the modern trend of 'solo activities', where people intentionally seek out experiences to do 一人で for personal fulfillment.
- There are specialized businesses in Japan, such as 'solo karaoke' (hitokara) and 'solo dining' booths, designed specifically for people who want to enjoy activities 一人で.
Examples in context
- 一人でいるよ。I'm by myself.This sentence is useful for saying you are by yourself.Tatoeba #190500 by KK_kaku_, translation #2549710 by CK
- 次回は一人でするよ。I will do it by myself next time.This sentence is useful for saying you will do something by yourself next time.Tatoeba #8975331 by small_snow, translation #8973013 by Nylez
- 一人で旅をしてます。I'm traveling by myself.Tatoeba #10157812 by small_snow, translation #2949198 by AlanF_US
- レポートを一人で書いた。I wrote the report by myself.
- 自分一人で旅行するのは初めてです。It's my first time traveling by myself.
- 難しい問題を自力で解決しました。I solved the difficult problem by myself using my own abilities.
- 映画を一人で見に行きたい。I want to go watch a movie by myself.
- ひとりっきりで部屋でゆっくり過ごしたい。I want to spend some time alone in my room.
- 44 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yota and Himari are talking about their weekend plans.
- 陽太 Yota今週末は何をするの？Konshūmatsu wa nani o suru no?What are you doing this weekend?
- 陽葵 Himari一人で映画を見に行くよ。Hitori de eiga o mi ni iku yo.I'm going to see a movie by myself.
- 陽太 Yota一人で映画を見るのは寂しくない？Hitori de eiga o miru no wa sabishiku nai?Isn't it lonely watching a movie by yourself?
- 陽葵 Himariいいえ、私はそれが好きなんだ。Iie, watashi wa sore ga suki nan da.No, I actually like it.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
