Japanese word

自主

Pronunciation

Romajijishu

Meaning

  • nounindependence

Example

学校は生徒の自主を尊重します。gak kō wa sei to no ji shu o son chō shi ma su

The school respects the students' independence.

Illustration for 自主 (independence)

More examples

部活動では、生徒の自主を認めることが大切です。bu katsu dō de wa sei to no ji shu o mito me ru ko to ga tai setsu de su

In school clubs, it is important to recognize students' independence.

Core concept

Centers on choosing and directing an action from one's own will rather than being told or forced to do it.

Common phrases

  • 自主を認めるji shu o mito me ru

    recognize independence

  • 自主を尊重するji shu o son chō su ru

    respect independence

Similar words

自発jihatsu: The act of beginning or doing something without being prompted by another person.
主体性shutaisei: The quality of making one's own choices and directing actions with personal responsibility.
自律jiritsu: The ability to regulate one's own actions and behavior by personal judgment.

Definition in Japanese

他から指示や強制を受けず、自分の意思で物事を行うこと。hoka ka ra shi ji ya kyō sei o u ke zu ji bun no i shi de mono goto o okona u ko to

Word origin

自主 (jishu, "acting on one's own initiative") combines 自 (ji, "self") and 主 (shu, "main"), expressing action guided by oneself.

Usage tips

  • English independence can refer to freedom from control in politics or personal life, whereas Japanese 自主 (jishu, "acting on one's own initiative") often highlights choosing to act without being told.

Other meanings

  • autonomynoun
  • self-reliancenoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 自主性jishuseiautonomynoun
  • 自主的jishutekiindependentna-adjective

Word lists with this word