How to Say "Independent" in Korean

독립의

dongnib-ui

The English word 'independent' can be translated into Korean as 독립의 (dongnib-ui) or 독립적인.

Meaning: not dependent, not contingent or depending on something else, free (adj)

Ways to say it

“independent” in Korean
Korean	Romanization (Wiktionary)
독립의	dongnib-ui
독립적인	dongnipjeog-in

The term is used to describe something or someone that is not dependent, not contingent or free.

The form 독립적인 functions as an adjective, while 독립의 serves as a possessive form.

dongnib-ui

In a professional setting, if a worker is described as 독립적인, it can sometimes imply they are a 'lone wolf' who does not cooperate well with the team.
The word 독립 is central to the 'Independence Movement' against Japanese colonial rule. Because of this history, the word carries a heavy weight of national pride and sacrifice that 'independent' does not typically convey in English.
The Hanja for 'independent', 獨立, can be broken down into 'alone' and 'stand', literally meaning 'to stand alone'.

난 전부터 항상 독립적인 사람이야.
I've always been an independent person.
This sentence is useful for describing a person using the form 독립적인.
Tatoeba #8533678 by Eunhee, translation #8532653 by CK
그 회사는 독립적인 영업 전략을 가지고 있습니다.
That company has an independent business strategy.
그는 독립적인 결정을 내렸습니다.
He made an independent decision.
우리 친구는 항상 자립적인 생각을 가지고 있어.
Our friend always has independent thoughts.
그녀는 자립적인 인생을 원해요.
She wants an independent life.

Subin and Hyunwoo are talking about their career goals.

수빈 Su-bin

나중에 내 사업을 하고 싶어.
najunge nae saeobeureul hago sipeo.
I want to start my own business later.
현우 Hyeon-woo

정말 독립의 삶을 원하는구나.
jeongmal dokribui salmeul wonhaneunguna.
You really want an independent life.
수빈 Su-bin

응, 내 힘으로 성공하고 싶어.
eung, nae himeuro seonggonghago sipeo.
Yes, I want to succeed on my own.
현우 Hyeon-woo

수빈 너라면 충분히 할 수 있을 거야.
subin neoramyeon chungbunhi hal su isseul geoya.
If it's you, Subin, you'll be able to do it.

Sources

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