Word
自立
Meaning in Englishindependence, self-reliance
Animated kanji stroke order
Sentence
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Word context
What it means
What does 自立 mean? Independence or self-reliance; the state of being able to live, act, and decide without constant assistance from others.
Main meanings
- personal independence in daily life and finances
- taking responsibility for one's decisions and life path
- self-determination in education, career, and relationships
- psychological nuance of confidence, resilience, and agency
How to use it
Used in formal policy, education, social services, and personal development contexts. Common phrases include 自立する, 自立心, 自立生活; in family contexts it can denote moving toward independence from parents, while in professional settings it signals taking responsibility for one’s career
Variants and close terms
- 独立 — dokuritsu, independence
- 自主 — jishu, autonomy
- 自力 — jiriki, by one’s own power
- 依存 — izon, dependence
Composition
- 自 (ji) — self, one's own
- 立 (ritsu, tatsu) — to stand; to rise; to establish
- Combination — standing up by oneself, implying self-reliance and the ability to sustain one’s life without ongoing external help
Origin
Meiji period onward, as Japan modernized, 自立 entered common usage to describe personal independence from family and established institutions, later broadening to work and social autonomy.
Word class
noun (名詞)
Word
Related words by kanji and components
N1
立ち去る
tachisaru
to leave, to depart
N1
立ち寄る
tachiyoru
to stop by, to drop in for a short visit
N1
立て替える
tatekaeru
to pay in advance, to pay for another
N1
中立
chuuritsu
neutrality
N1
仕立てる
shitateru
to tailor, to make, to prepare
N1
自転
jiten
rotation, spin
N1
立体
rittai
solid body
N1
立方
rippou
cube
N1
立法
rippou
legislation, lawmaking
Kanji