The Meaning of jiritsu [自立] In Japanese

自立
じりつ
Romaji: jiritsu N2

What does 自立 mean?

Translation and Meaning

independence, self-reliance, self-sufficiency

Definition

What does 自立 mean? Independence or self-reliance; the state of being able to live, act, and decide without constant assistance from others.

Type

noun (名詞)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • personal independence in daily life and finances
  • taking responsibility for one’s decisions and life path
  • self-determination in education, career, and relationships
  • psychological nuance of confidence, resilience, and agency

Origin

Meiji period onward, as Japan modernized, 自立 entered common usage to describe personal independence from family and established institutions, later broadening to work and social autonomy.

Composition

  • 自 (ji) — self, one’s own
  • 立 (ritsu, tatsu) — to stand; to rise; to establish
  • Combination — standing up by oneself, implying self-reliance and the ability to sustain one’s life without ongoing external help

Usage

Used in formal policy, education, social services, and personal development contexts. Common phrases include 自立する, 自立心, 自立生活; in family contexts it can denote moving toward independence from parents, while in professional settings it signals taking responsibility for one’s career
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: imagine standing tall on your own two feet, with 自 meaning self and 立 meaning to stand; visualize taking the first step toward independence

Variations

  • 独立 — dokuritsu, independence
  • 自主 — jishu, autonomy
  • 自力 — jiriki, by one’s own power
  • 依存 — izon, dependence

Example Phrases

  • 私は自立して、やがて自分の道を選んだ。
    Watashi wa jiritsu shite, yagate jibun no michi o eranda.
    I became independent and eventually chose my own path.
    Lista:
    • 私は (watashi wa) – I
    • 自立して (jiritsu shite) – becoming independent
    • やがて (yagate) – eventually
    • 自分の (jibun no) – one’s own
    • 道を (michi o) – path
    • 選んだ (eranda) – chose
    The word 「自立」 here is used as a noun meaning ‘self-reliance’ and is used with 自立する’s て-form to connect to the next clause, meaning ‘becoming self-reliant.’
自立