Proverb / Kotowaza
自給自足
To produce everything one needs by oneself without relying on others.
self-supply and self-sufficiency
Quick Answer
To produce everything one needs by oneself without relying on others.
- Literal Image
- self-supply and self-sufficiency
- How to Use It
- Used to describe a lifestyle, community, or system that operates independently without relying on outside resources.
Meaning
This expression describes the state of being completely self-sufficient. It means providing for all of one's own necessities, such as food and energy, through one's own efforts. It is also used to represent an ideal, independent lifestyle away from modern civilized society.
Literal Image
self-supply and self-sufficiency
How to Use It
Used to describe a lifestyle, community, or system that operates independently without relying on outside resources.
Examples
定年後は田舎で、野菜を育てながら自給自足の生活を送りたい。
After retirement, I want to live a self-sufficient life in the countryside while growing vegetables.
その村では、エネルギーも含めて自給自足を目指している。
That village is aiming for self-sufficiency, including its energy needs.
戦時中は、誰もが自給自足に近い暮らしを強いられた。
During the war, everyone was forced to live a life close to self-sufficiency.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses straightforward kanji to describe a clear, literal concept of self-sufficiency.
自給
じきゅう / jikyu
self-support; providing for oneself
自足
じそく / jisoku
self-sufficiency; being content with what one has
Usage Profile
Misread Risk
This term refers to producing one's own necessities and should not be used merely to mean paying for one's own meal or doing a task alone.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
"Jikyu" (自給) means to provide for oneself, and "jisoku" (自足) means to be self-sufficient or content. This phrase is also used as a symbol of an ideal life away from civilized society.
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Source Note
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