一匹狼
ippiki ōkami[ip̚ʲpʲikʲi o̞ːka̠mʲi]
The Japanese phrase for loner is 一匹狼 (ippiki ōkami).
一匹狼 is used to describe a loner, specifically someone who works or lives independently. Rather than simply implying someone is socially awkward, it often carries a connotation of being a cool or rebellious individual.
Meaning: one who lacks or avoids company (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 一匹狼 is composed of 一 (one), 匹 (a counter for small animals) and 狼 (wolf).
Which one should you use?
While 一匹狼 refers to a loner, other terms offer different nuances. 孤独好き is used for someone who likes solitude, and 孤高な人 describes someone who prefers a detached and self-contained lifestyle.
How do you pronounce it?
ippiki ōkami
Did you know?
- While 一匹狼 sounds positive, the counter 匹 is usually for animals. Calling a person 一匹 can be insulting if not used within this specific idiom, as it treats the human as a beast.
- Unlike English where 'loner' can be a neutral descriptor, using 一匹狼 in a corporate setting can be a veiled way to describe an employee who is difficult to manage or refuses to collaborate.
- If you wish to describe someone who is merely lonely or pitiable, you must avoid 一匹狼 entirely, as it would sound like you are complimenting their impressive willpower.
Examples in context
- 彼は孤独好きで、大抵一人で遊んでいる。He is a loner who usually plays alone.
- 彼は一匹狼だ。Kare wa ippiki ookami da.He is a loner.
- 一匹狼として生きる道もある。Ippiki ookami to shite ikiru michi mo aru.There is also a way to live as a loner.
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are talking about a new colleague at work.
- 美咲 Misaki新しい同僚の方は、どんな人？atarashii dōryō no kata wa, donna hito?What is the new colleague like?
- 健太 Kenta仕事はできるけど、かなりの一匹狼だよ。shigoto wa dekiru kedo, kanari no ippikiōkami dayo.He's good at his job, but he's quite a loner.
- 美咲 Misakiあまり誰とも話さないのかな。amari dare tomo hanasanai no kana.I wonder if he doesn't talk to anyone much.
- 健太 Kentaうん、いつも一人で昼食を食べているよ。un, itsumo hitori de chūshoku o tabete iru yo.Yeah, he's always eating lunch alone.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 一匹狼, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
