Translation and Meaning of: 独立 - dokuritsu

The Japanese word 「独立」(dokuritsu) translates as "independence" or "autonomy." The etymology of 「独立」 consists of two kanji: 「独」 which means "alone" or "individual," and 「立」 which represents "to stand" or "to rise." Together, these characters convey the idea of standing alone, symbolizing independence in both a personal and collective sense.

The use of 「独立」 is quite broad in the Japanese language, applying to contexts that range from the independence of a country to the emergence of economic or personal autonomy. For example, a young person who decides to live alone and support themselves financially is often described as having achieved 「独立」. On a macro level, a declaration of independence of a nation or region would also use this term.

Historically, the notion of 「独立」 gained prominence in Japan during the Meiji period, when the country was engaged in renegotiating unequal treaties and asserting its sovereignty against Western powers. This cultural and political movement also emphasized the importance of education and personal development as means to achieve 「独立」. Thus, the word carries both historical symbolism and contemporary aspirations for self-sufficiency and freedom.

Furthermore, 「独立」 also appears in compound expressions, further enriching its use. Some variations include 「独立国」 (dokuritsukoku), which means "independent country," and 「独立精神」 (dokuritsu seishin), referring to the "independent spirit." These compound forms are often used in formal speeches and can be found in legal, academic texts, and in the media in general.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

自立 (Jiritsu) - Self-sufficiency; the ability to sustain oneself independently.
単独 (Tandoku) - Solitude; being alone, without help from others.
独自 (Dokuji) - Originality; something that is unique or one's own.
独立性 (Dokuritsusei) - Independence; the quality of being independent, capable of acting on one's own.
独立した (Dokuritsushita) - Independent; something or someone that has become independent.
独立国 (Dokuritsukoku) - Independent nation; a country that operates without dependence on others.
独立心 (Dokuritsushin) - Spirit of independence; attitude or desire to be independent.
独立運営 (Dokuritsuun’ei) - Independent operation; to manage or operate without dependence.
独立記念日 (Dokuritsukinenbi) - Independence Day; anniversary of the declaration of independence.
独立宣言 (Dokuritsusengen) - Declaration of independence; formal act of declaring independence.