独立
dokuritsu[do̞kɯ̟ɾʲit͡sɨ]
The Japanese word for independent is 独立 (dokuritsu).
独立 means not dependent, not contingent or free. It can function as a noun meaning independence, or as a stem that can be turned into a verb or adjective depending on the particles or suffixes attached to it.
Meaning: not dependent, not contingent or depending on something else, free (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a noun, adding the particle の allows it to function as a modifier, such as in 'independence day' (独立の). To describe the ongoing state of being independent, use the form 独立している. To describe the act of becoming independent or the state of having achieved it, use the past tense form 独立した.
How do you pronounce it?
dokuritsu
Did you know?
- The characters in 独立 are actually shared with the word for 'stand' and 'stand alone'. While 'independent' in English is an abstract concept, the Japanese characters focus on the physical act of standing up and remaining upright.
- When discussing a person's financial independence, Japanese people often prefer the term 自立 (jiritsu) over 独立 (dokuritsu). 自立 suggests a person standing on their own two feet through effort, whereas 独立 sounds more political.
- When talking about independent films or music, Japanese speakers often use the English loanword インディーズ instead of 独立.
Examples in context
- 彼女は両親から独立している。She is independent of her parents.This sentence shows how to use 独立 to say someone is independent of their parents.Tatoeba #86286 by arnab, translation #389526 by blay_paul
- ケニアは1963年に独立した。Kenya became independent in 1963.This sentence shows how to use 独立 to say a country became independent.Tatoeba #225244 by KK_kaku_, translation #62582 by CK
- ジョンは親から独立したいと思っている。John hopes to be independent of his parents.This sentence shows how to use 独立 to express a desire to be independent of parents.Tatoeba #215262 by small_snow, translation #52560 by Dejo
- 彼らは独立国です。They are an independent nation.
- 彼は自立した社会人です。He is an independent working adult.
- 自立心を養ってください。Please cultivate independence.
- 彼女は独自のスタイルを持っています。She has her own unique style.
- 私たちは独自のアイデアを提案しました。We proposed our own ideas.
- 私は自由な生活を送りたいです。I want to live an independent life.
- 彼女は自由奔放な性格です。She has an independent and carefree personality.
- 彼は単独行動が得意です。He is good at acting independently.
- 自分で考えて行動してください。Please think and act for yourself.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta are discussing their future career plans.
- 結衣 Yui将来は独立して仕事をしたいです。Shourai wa dokuritsu shite shigoto o shitai desu.I want to be independent and work for myself in the future.
- 健太 Kentaそれはいいですね。自信があるんですね。Sore wa ii desu ne. Jishin ga aru n desu ne.That sounds great. You are confident, aren't you?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、早く独立して挑戦したいです。Hai, hayaku dokuritsu shite chousen shitai desu.Yes, I want to become independent and take on a challenge soon.
- 健太 Kenta応援していますよ、結衣さん。Ouen shite imasu yo, Yui-san.I'm rooting for you, Yui.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 独立, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
