Proverb / Kotowaza
独立独歩
To forge ahead on one's own path by relying on one's own strength rather than depending on others.
standing independently and walking alone
Quick Answer
To forge ahead on one's own path by relying on one's own strength rather than depending on others.
- Literal Image
- standing independently and walking alone
- How to Use It
- Used to describe someone who starts a business, pursues a unique lifestyle, or makes decisions entirely based on their own judgment without seeking outside assistance.
Meaning
This expression describes the state of acting according to one's own beliefs without borrowing help from others. 'Dokuritsu' refers to not depending on anyone else, while 'doppo' means to walk one's own path alone. It emphasizes self-reliance and the determination to follow one's convictions through individual effort.
Literal Image
standing independently and walking alone
How to Use It
Used to describe someone who starts a business, pursues a unique lifestyle, or makes decisions entirely based on their own judgment without seeking outside assistance.
Tone
Neutral to admiring; it can be used to praise strong-willed independence or to describe a solitary approach that might occasionally benefit from collaboration.
Examples
独立独歩の精神で、誰の力も借りずに事業を立ち上げた。
With a spirit of self-reliance, they started the business without borrowing help from anyone.
独立独歩の姿勢は立派だが、時には人の助けを借りることも必要だ。
An independent attitude is admirable, but sometimes it is also necessary to accept help from others.
彼女は独立独歩の道を選び、自分のスタイルを貫いている。
She chose a path of independence and is sticking to her own style.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The vocabulary consists of relatively basic kanji (独立, 独, 歩), but as a four-character idiom (yojijukugo), it requires understanding the combined semantic nuance.
独立
どくりつ / dokuritsu
independence
独歩
どっぽ / doppo
walking alone; going one's own way
依存
いぞん / izon
dependence
Usage Profile
Usage note: While positive, it can sometimes imply a refusal to cooperate even when help is needed.
Misread Risk
Do not confuse this with being lonely or abandoned; it describes a proactive choice to be self-reliant.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
The term is composed of 'Dokuritsu', meaning to stand by one's own power without relying on others, and 'Doppo', meaning to walk one's own unique path. It describes the state of acting based on one's own thoughts and abilities without depending on external parties.
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Source Note
Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.