独断

• Reading: どくだん
• Romaji: dokudan
• Kanji breakdown: 独 (doku/hitori) — alone, by oneself; 断 (dan/kotowaru) — to judge, to decide, to cut off
• Pronunciation: /do.kɯ.dan/

Meaning

Arbitrary decision; unilateral action; dogmatism. A judgement or decision made by one person alone without consultation, typically with a negative connotation.

A noun used critically in organisational, political, and interpersonal contexts. 独断専行 (acting unilaterally and proceeding on one's own) is a stronger compound. 独断で決める (to decide unilaterally) is common. The verb form is 独断する. Carries a strong negative nuance — the person is overstepping boundaries or ignoring others' input in ways that damage trust.

Examples

1. 課長が独断でプロジェクトの方向性を変えてしまい、チームが混乱した。 The section chief unilaterally changed the direction of the project, throwing the team into confusion.
2. 独断と偏見で物事を判断することは、公正な議論の妨げとなる。 Judging things based on arbitrary assumptions and personal bias hinders fair discussion.
3. 彼の独断専行な態度が、組織全体の信頼を損なっている。 His high-handed, unilateral attitude has undermined trust throughout the organization.

Usage Guide

Context: business, management, politics, interpersonal relations

Tone: critical

Origin & History

Compound of 独 (doku) — alone, by oneself — and 断 (dan) — to judge, to decide. Together they describe judging or deciding entirely on one's own.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional