独身です
dokushin desu
In Japanese, "I am single" is expressed as 独身です (dokushin desu).
This phrase is used to state that a person is not married or in a committed relationship. It is particularly common when answering formal questions about marital status or when filling out forms.
What does it mean word for word?
The core term 独身 (dokushin) literally means "single person" or "unmarried person".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The standard form 独身です is polite and suitable for formal contexts. For a more casual, conversational tone, you can use the particle だよ to say 独身だよ. Young men commonly use the expression Boku wa dokushin da. in informal settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that you "were single" in the past, you change the polite copula from です to でした, resulting in 独身でした.
How do you pronounce it?
dokushin desu
Did you know?
- The term 独身貴族 (dokushin kizoku), meaning 'single aristocrat', is a common idiom used to describe the enviable, high-quality lifestyle of a single person who enjoys their freedom.
- Japan has a specific term ソロ活 (solo-katsu) to describe the growing trend of intentionally doing activities alone, like dining or camping, while being single.
- While 独身 is a neutral term, the word フリー (free) is often used by young people to signal they are not only single but actively available for dating.
Examples in context
- 今は独身です。Ima wa dokushin desu.I am single right now.
- 私は独身です。Watashi wa dokushin desu.I am single.
- ずっと独身です。Zutto dokushin desu.I have been single for a long time.
Example conversation
Two acquaintances are talking at a cafe about their personal lives.
- 結衣 Yui蓮さんは結婚していますか？Ren-san wa kekkon shite imasu ka?Ren, are you married?
- 蓮 Renいいえ、独身です。Iie, dokushin desu.No, I am single.
- 結衣 Yuiそうなんですね。Sou nan desu ne.I see.
- 蓮 Ren結衣さんはどうですか？Yui-san wa dou desu ka?How about you, Yui?
