独立

• Reading: どくりつ
• Romaji: dokuritsu
• Kanji breakdown: 独 (doku) — alone, single; 立 (ritsu) — stand
• Pronunciation: /do.kɯ.ɾi.tsɯ/

Meaning

Independence; self-reliance. The state of standing on one's own, whether personally, politically, or financially.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (独立する). Used broadly: political independence (独立記念日, Independence Day), financial independence from parents, or starting one's own business. The antonym 依存 (dependence) provides useful contrast. Common in news, history, and personal development contexts.

Examples

1. 大学を卒業してから経済的に独立した。 I became financially independent after graduating from college.
2. あの国は五十年前に独立を果たした。 That country achieved independence fifty years ago.
3. 将来は独立して自分の店を開きたい。 In the future, I want to go independent and open my own shop.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, personal development, business

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Compound of 独 (doku, alone/single) and 立 (ritsu, to stand). Together, 'standing alone' — self-sufficiency and autonomy.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal