Meaning and Usage
"独立" (どくりつ) primarily means "independence" or "self-support." It can refer to a country's political independence, a person's financial or personal independence, or an organization's separation from a parent entity.
Common Contexts
- Political independence: When a nation gains sovereignty.
- Financial or personal independence: When someone supports themselves without relying on others.
- Organizational independence: When a company or group separates from a larger entity.
Collocations and Patterns
- 独立を果たす (どくりつをはたす): to achieve independence, often used for countries or organizations.
- 経済的に独立する (けいざいてきにどくりつする): to become financially independent.
- 親会社から独立する (おやがいしゃからどくりつする): to become independent from a parent company.
Register and Nuance
"独立" is a neutral term used in both formal and informal contexts. It is often used in news, business, and everyday conversation. When referring to personal independence, it implies self-reliance and maturity.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "独立" with "自由" (freedom). While "自由" emphasizes freedom or liberty, "独立" focuses on being independent or self-sufficient. Use "独立" when talking about standing on one's own or political sovereignty.