Japanese word

独自

Pronunciation

Romajidokuji

Meaning

  • na-adjectiveunique

Example

この町には独自の文化があります。ko no machi ni wa doku ji no bun ka ga a ri ma su

This town has a unique culture.

Illustration for 独自 (unique)

More examples

この店では、地元の食材を使った独自の料理を出しています。ko no mise de wa ji moto no shoku zai o tsuka tta doku ji no ryō ri o da shi te i ma su

This restaurant serves unique dishes made with local ingredients.

Core concept

Describes something that has its own distinct character rather than being copied or shared in the usual way.

Common phrases

  • 独自の方法doku ji no hō hō

    a unique method

  • 独自の文化doku ji no bun ka

    a unique culture

  • 独自の考えdoku ji no kanga e

    an original idea

Similar words

独特dokutoku: Describes a quality or style that is noticeably different from others.
特有tokuyū: Describes a quality or feature that belongs especially to a particular person, place, or group.
固有koyū: Describes a quality or feature that naturally belongs to a particular thing or group.

Definition in Japanese

他から取り入れたものではなく、自分だけの考えや方法によるさま。hoka ka ra to ri i re ta mo no de wa na ku ji bun da ke no kanga e ya hō hō ni yo ru sa ma

Word origin

独自 (dokuji) combines 独 (doku, "alone") and 自 (ji, "self"), giving the compound its sense of being one's own or original.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 独自の (dokuji no) often describes a method, style, or culture created by a person or group, so unique can mean "one's own" rather than simply unusual.

Other meanings

  • originalna-adjective
  • ownna-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 独自性dokujiseiuniquenessnoun

Word lists with this word