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
N2
自宅
jitaku
one's own home (same as 自分の家 (じぶんのいえ))
N2
自治
jichi
self-government, autonomy
N2
私立
shiritsu
private (establishment)
N2
成立
seiritsu
formation, establishment, completion
N2
対立
tairitsu
confrontation, opposition, antagonism
N2
立ち止まる
tachidomaru
to stop, to halt, to stand still
N2
自ら
mizukara
for one's self, personally
N2
目立つ
medatsu
to be conspicuous, to stand out
N2
夕立
yuudachi
(sudden) evening shower (rain)
Kanji