独学
dokugaku
In Japanese, self-taught is expressed as 独学 (dokugaku).
独学 is used to describe the concept of being self-taught or engaging in self-study. Depending on the context, different expressions may be more appropriate: Jishu gakushū is a formal way to refer to self-directed learning or self-guided study, while the informal expression Jibun de manabu means learning by oneself.
Meaning: educated by oneself (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 独学 is composed of the characters 独, meaning alone or self and 学, meaning study or learning.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use this noun as an adjective to modify a noun (e.g., 'a self-taught musician'), you must add the particle の after it to form 独学の. To describe the method by which someone learned something (e.g., 'I learned it by self-study'), use the particle で after the noun to form 独学で.
How do you pronounce it?
dokugaku
Did you know?
- The character 独 in 独学 is the same one used in the word for 'monopoly', reflecting the idea of being the sole actor.
- In Japan, claiming to be 独学 is often a gesture of modesty, implying one's skills are 'unrefined' because they lacked a formal teacher.
- While English speakers might use 'self-taught' to mean 'untrained', in Japan, being 独学 is often viewed as a badge of honor. It highlights a person's immense discipline and mental strength in a culture that favors structured, group-based learning.
Examples in context
- 私は独学でプログラミングを学びました。I taught myself programming.
- 彼は独学でピアノを習得しました。Kare wa dokugaku de piano o shutoku shimashita.He mastered the piano through self-study.
- プログラミングは独学で勉強しています。Programming wa dokugaku de benkyou shite imasu.I am studying programming by self-study.
- 独学での学習は大変ですよね。Dokugaku de no gakushuu wa taihen desu yo ne.Self-taught learning is difficult, isn't it?
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their hobbies at a cafe.
- 陽太 Yota結衣さんは英語を独学で勉強したんですか？Yui-san wa eigo o dokugaku de benkyou shita n desu ka?Yui, did you study English by yourself?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、独学で頑張りました。Hai, dokugaku de ganbarimashita.Yes, I worked hard at self-studying.
- 陽太 Yotaすごいですね、尊敬します。Sugoi desu ne, sonkei shimasu.That's amazing, I respect you.
- 結衣 Yuiありがとうございます。陽太さんもどうですか？Arigatou gozaimasu. Yota-san mo dou desu ka?Thank you. How about you, Yota?
