Translation and Meaning of: 独立 - dokuritsu

The Japanese word 独立[どくりつ] is a term that carries deep meanings and practical applications in everyday life in Japan. If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about this expression, understanding its usage, origin, and cultural context can be quite enriching. In this article, we will explore what 独立 means, how it is written, and in what situations it appears in the Japanese language.

In addition to uncovering the meaning and translation of 独立, let's delve into its etymology and how it relates to important values of Japanese society. If you want to memorize this word or use it correctly in sentences, keep reading to discover practical tips and real examples.

The meaning and translation of 独立 is "independence."

独立[どくりつ] is a Japanese word that means "independence" or "autonomy." It is used to describe situations where someone or something becomes self-sufficient, free from external control. In a personal context, it can refer to a person who leaves their parents' house and starts living independently. In a broader sense, it can indicate the independence of a country or organization.

The most common translation to English is "independence," but depending on the context, it can also be interpreted as "emancipation" or "autonomy." It is worth mentioning that 独立 is not just an abstract concept – it appears in political and business discussions and even in the daily lives of ordinary people.

The origin and writing of 独立

The word 独立 is composed of two kanji: 独 (which means "alone" or "unique") and 立 (which can be translated as "to stand up" or "to rise"). Together, they form the idea of "standing up for oneself," which perfectly reflects the concept of independence. This combination is not random – it follows the logic of many Japanese terms that unite ideograms to create more complex meanings.

From a historical point of view, 独立 gained even more relevance after the Meiji Restoration (1868), when Japan underwent profound transformations in its political and social structure. During this period, the notion of national and individual independence became a central theme in public discourse, consolidating the use of this word in modern vocabulary.

The cultural and everyday use of 独立

In contemporary Japan, 独立 is a term that frequently appears in discussions about career and adulthood. Many young people aspire to achieve 独立 financial independence, while companies seek to become independent from large conglomerates. This value is so important that there is even a national holiday called 独立記念日 (Independence Day) in some countries, although not in Japan.

Culturally, the idea of 独立 is linked to the concept of 自立 (jiritsu), which means self-sufficiency. Both reflect deeply rooted values in Japanese society, which values the ability to take care of oneself without relying on others. It is no coincidence that this word appears so frequently in personal development manuals and books on education in Japan.

Tips for memorizing and using 独立 correctly

An effective way to memorize 独立 is to associate its kanjis with their meanings. Think of 独 as "alone" and 立 as "standing" – together, they create an image of someone who can stand on their own. This visualization can help embed the term in your memory. Another tip is to practice with simple sentences like 私は独立したい (I want to become independent).

It is important to note that 独立 should not be confused with similar words like 自由 (jiyuu - freedom) or 孤立 (koritsu - isolation). While 独立 specifically refers to autonomy and self-sufficiency, these other expressions have different nuances. Paying attention to these details will make all the difference in your Japanese learning.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

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.