Japanese word

自力

Pronunciation

Romajijiriki

Meaning

  • nounon one's own

Example

彼は自力で問題を解決しました。kare wa ji riki de mon dai o kai ketsu shi ma shi ta

He solved the problem on his own.

Illustration for 自力 (on one's own)

More examples

この装置は自力で元の位置に戻ります。ko no sō chi wa ji riki de moto no i chi ni modo ri ma su

This device returns to its original position under its own power.

Core concept

It presents an action as achieved through the actor's own ability rather than through outside help.

Common phrases

  • 自力で問題を解決するji riki de mon dai o kai ketsu su ru

    solve a problem on one's own

Similar words

独力dokuryoku: The ability to complete a task without assistance from others.
自前jimae: The use of one's own resources, equipment, or money for an action.

Definition in Japanese

他人の助けを借りず、自分の力だけで物事を行うこと。ta nin no tasu ke o ka ri zu ji bun no chikara da ke de mono goto o okona u ko to

Word origin

自力 (jiriki) combines 自 (ji, "self") and 力 (riki, "power"), so it denotes accomplishing something through one's own power.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 自力で (jiriki de) commonly comes before a verb to show that the subject completes an action without outside help, making it more specific than a general claim of independence.

Other meanings

  • under one's own powernoun

Opposites

  • 他力tarikireliance on othersnoun

Word lists with this word