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独身
dokushin
single (unmarried)
彼は独身で幸せに暮らしている。
He is happily living as a single man.
formal
The state of being unmarried, typically referring to someone who has never married or is not currently married.
彼女は30代で独身を貫いている。
She remains single in her 30s.
独身者は結婚する前に自由に旅行できる。
Single people can travel freely before getting married.
The term is often used in formal contexts, such as legal documents or surveys, to describe marital status.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Cultural Context
In Japanese society, being single is often seen as a temporary state, and there can be social pressure to marry, especially for women. However, attitudes are gradually changing, and more people are choosing to remain single by choice.
Gold Rule
Formal vs. Informal Usage
In formal contexts, such as legal documents or surveys, '独身' is used to describe marital status. In informal contexts, it can sometimes imply a negative connotation, such as loneliness or lack of romantic relationships.
Word Origin
The term is composed of '独' (doku, meaning 'alone') and '身' (shin, meaning 'person'), literally meaning 'a person alone.'
Usage Notes
While '独身' can refer to someone who has never married, it can also describe someone who is currently unmarried, regardless of past marital status. In some contexts, it may carry a slightly negative connotation, implying loneliness or lack of romantic relationships.
Word Breakdown
独
alone
root身
person
root和英辞典