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
両立
ryouritsu
compatibility, coexistence, standing together
N1
腹立ち
haradachi
anger
N2
各自
kakuji
individual, each
N2
組み立てる
kumitateru
to assemble, to set up, to construct
N2
国立
kokuritsu
national
N2
献立
kondate
menu
N2
自衛
jiei
self-defense
N2
自習
jishuu
self-study
N2
自然科学
shizenkagaku
natural science
Kanji