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What is the Kanji for 'Alone'? | 独

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for 'Alone', you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for 'Alone' is 独.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Alone

    Reading

    kunyomiひと

    hito

    onyomiどく

    doku

    Parts

    Insect

    Example Word

    孤独: loneliness. The Japanese adjectival noun '孤独 (こどく)' means 'loneliness'. It describes the state of being alone, isolated, or feeling disconnected from others. This word often carries an emotional weight, emphasizing the sadness or emptiness associated with being alone. For example: he felt deep loneliness「彼は深い孤独を感じた」(かれはふかいこどくをかんじた). Loneliness is a common theme in literature「孤独は文学のよくあるテーマだ」(こどくはぶんがくのよくあるテーマだ). It can also be used to describe a physical state of being alone, but it is more commonly associated with emotional isolation.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    9

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    5

    Frequency

    504

    Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji

If you visually break down this kanji, you can see it is made up of 2 parts:

    component

    kanji

    Meaning

    Insect

Words Using

This kanji is used in 8 words:

    word

    独自

    Meaning

    Unique, Independent

    word

    孤独

    Meaning

    Loneliness

    word

    独身

    Meaning

    Single

    word

    単独

    Meaning

    Alone, Independent

    word

    独立

    Meaning

    Independence

    word

    独特

    Meaning

    Unique

    word

    独り言

    Meaning

    Soliloquy

    word

    独占

    Meaning

    Monopoly

Kanji Related to Through the Part

These 7 kanji contain the part 犭 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Crime

    kanji

    Meaning

    Waver, Delay

    kanji

    Meaning

    Cat

    kanji

    Meaning

    Hunting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Fierce

    kanji

    Meaning

    Monkey

    kanji

    Meaning

    Aim

Kanji Related to Through the Part

These 14 kanji contain the part 虫 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Strong

    kanji

    Meaning

    Wind, Style

    kanji

    Meaning

    Clamor, Boisterous

    kanji

    Meaning

    Fuse, Dissolve

    kanji

    Meaning

    Touch, Contact

    kanji

    Meaning

    Mosquito

    kanji

    Meaning

    Snake

    kanji

    Meaning

    Silkworm

    kanji

    Meaning

    Barbarian

    kanji

    Meaning

    Firefly

    kanji

    Meaning

    Cocoon

    kanji

    Meaning

    Honey

    kanji

    Meaning

    Bee

    kanji

    Meaning

    Rainbow

Learn the Kanji

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 独 mean?

独 means 'Alone'.

Japanese school students learn this kanji in Fifth Grade, while non-native learners often study it for the JLPT N1 exam.

To help you master this kanji, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.