JLPT N1Four-character idioms
独立独歩
- Meaning
- 他人に頼らず自分の信じる道を進むこと
- Explanation
- "独立独歩" means going one's own way by one's own strength and conviction, without relying on others. It is a term that positively assesses an independent way of life or attitude. c2's "self-righteous and not keeping pace with those around" carries an implication of criticizing a lack of cooperativeness, and must be distinguished from this term's positive meaning of independence and self-reliance.
Original Japanese explanation
「独立独歩」は、他人に頼らず、自分の力と信念で自分の道を進むことをいう。自立した生き方や姿勢を肯定的に評する語。c2 の「独りよがりで周囲と歩調を合わせない」は協調性のなさを批判する含意があり、こちらの自立・自主という肯定的な意味とは区別する必要がある。
Quick check
Choose the most appropriate meaning of "独立独歩".
Tap the answer you think is right.
