Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we learn a new word: 独身の (dokushin no). This word means 'single' or 'not married'. Imagine you have a friend, and this friend is not married. You can say, 'My friend is 独身の'. It's a simple way to say someone is not married. Like, 'I am 独身の' means 'I am single'. It's easy, right?
The Japanese adjective 独身の (dokushin no) is used to describe someone who is not married. For example, if you meet a new person and they tell you they are not married, you can think of them as 独身の. You might say, '彼は独身の男性です' (Kare wa dokushin no dansei desu), which means 'He is a single man'. It's a common and polite way to state someone's marital status.
When you want to talk about someone's marital status in Japanese, 独身の (dokushin no) is the adjective you'll often use. It means 'single' or 'unmarried'. For instance, you could ask someone, '独身ですか？' (Dokushin desu ka?), meaning 'Are you single?'. The answer might be 'はい、独身です' (Hai, dokushin desu) or 'いいえ、結婚しています' (Iie, kekkon shite imasu - No, I am married). This term is widely understood and used in everyday conversation.
The adjective 独身の (dokushin no) refers to the state of being unmarried. It's a neutral term used in various contexts, from personal conversations to official questionnaires. While it directly translates to 'single', it can encompass individuals who have never married, are divorced, or are widowed. Understanding its usage helps in comprehending social descriptions and personal profiles in Japanese. For example, in a dating context, you might discuss 独身のメリット (dokushin no meritto - the advantages of being single).
独身の (dokushin no) functions as a straightforward adjective denoting an unmarried status. Its application is broad, covering never-married individuals, the divorced, and the widowed. Beyond its literal meaning, the term can sometimes be associated with cultural nuances, such as the societal perception of singlehood or the economic independence often linked to being 独身. In academic or sociological discussions, it serves as a key demographic descriptor.
The adjective 独身の (dokushin no), derived from the noun 独身 (dokushin - singlehood), is a fundamental descriptor of marital status in Japanese. Its etymological roots in 'alone self' (独 + 身) highlight the individualistic aspect of this status. While primarily denoting an absence of marriage, its socio-cultural implications can be explored through concepts like 独身貴族 (dokushin kizuoku - single aristocrat), reflecting evolving societal views on independence and lifestyle choices associated with being single. Its usage spans formal documentation to nuanced literary expression.
الكلمة في 30 ثانية
- 独身の (dokushin no) means 'single' or 'unmarried'.
- It's a common adjective used to describe marital status.
- Can be used formally (未婚) or casually (シングル).
- Often paired with です (desu) as 独身です (dokushin desu) - 'I am single'.
Hey there! Let's dive into the word 独身の (dokushin no). It's a super useful adjective in Japanese that means 'single' or 'unmarried'. Think about it – everyone knows someone who is single, right? This word is perfect for describing that status. It's not just about never having been married; it can also apply to people who are divorced or widowed but are currently not in a marital union.
When you use 独身の, you're painting a clear picture of someone's relationship status. It's a neutral term, meaning it doesn't carry any judgment or particular emotion. It's simply a fact. You might hear it in everyday conversations, in official documents, or even in song lyrics! Understanding this word helps you grasp a common aspect of social life and relationships in Japanese culture.
The word 独身 (dokushin) itself is a fascinating combination of two kanji characters. 独 (doku) means 'alone' or 'single', and 身 (shin) means 'body' or 'self'. So, literally, it translates to 'alone self' or 'single body'. The addition of the particle の (no) transforms it into an adjective, allowing it to modify nouns, like 独身の人 (dokushin no hito - a single person).
The concept of being single has existed throughout history, of course, but the specific term 独身 became more prominent and standardized in modern Japanese. Its usage reflects societal norms and how relationships are categorized. While the core meaning remains constant, how society views and discusses singlehood has evolved over time, influencing the contexts in which 独身の might be used. It’s a term that’s deeply rooted in the language’s structure, reflecting a direct and clear way to express this particular life status.
So, how do we actually use 独身の (dokushin no)? It's pretty straightforward! You can use it directly before a noun to describe someone. For example, 独身の男性 (dokushin no dansei) means 'a single man', and 独身の女性 (dokushin no josei) means 'a single woman'. You can also use it more generally, like 独身です (dokushin desu), meaning 'I am single'.
It's important to know that 独身の is generally a neutral and polite term. You'll find it used in various settings, from casual chats with friends to more formal situations like filling out forms or discussing demographics. It's common to hear it paired with words like 人 (hito - person), 学生 (gakusei - student), or サラリーマン (sarariiman - salaryman). Just remember, it's an adjective, so it modifies a noun or acts as a predicate, telling us about the subject's marital status. It’s a fundamental word for understanding social descriptions in Japanese!
While 独身の (dokushin no) itself is a straightforward adjective, the concept of being single appears in various expressions. One common phrase is 独身貴族 (dokushin kizuoku), which literally means 'single noble' or 'single aristocrat'. This term is often used, sometimes playfully, to describe a single person, especially one with a good income and the freedom to spend their money on themselves without the financial responsibilities of a family. It carries a slightly glamorous connotation.
Another related idea, though not a direct idiom with 'dokushin no', is the concept of 一人暮らし (hitorigurashi), meaning 'living alone'. While not all single people live alone (they might have roommates or live with family), it's a very common situation for those who are single and often associated with the independence that comes with being unmarried. Understanding these related concepts gives you a richer picture of how singlehood is discussed in Japanese society.
Let's break down the grammar and pronunciation of 独身の (dokushin no). As an adjective, it typically precedes the noun it modifies. So, you'd say 独身の + [noun], like 独身の友達 (dokushin no tomodachi) which means 'single friend'. When used as a predicate, you often just use 独身です (dokushin desu) – 'I am single'.
Pronunciation is key! The word is 独身 (dokushin). Let's break it down: 独 (do) sounds like the 'do' in 'dog'. 身 (ku) sounds like the 'ku' in 'kung fu'. And 身 (shin) sounds like the 'shin' in 'shiny'. The particle の (no) is pronounced just like the English word 'no'. So, putting it together, it's roughly 'doh-koo-shin noh'. There isn't really a plural form for this adjective, as it describes an individual's status. It’s a simple, direct adjective that slots easily into many sentence structures.
Fun Fact
The kanji 独 itself can also mean 'Germany' (ドイツ - Doitsu), but that's a completely different usage!
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'dok-koo-shin noh'. The 'o' sounds are short, and the 'u' in 'ku' is very light.
Similar to UK, with a clear 'doh' sound and a light 'koo' sound.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'ku' too strongly.
- Making the 'o' sounds too long.
- Adding an 'n' sound to 'no'.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read in most contexts.
Easy to use correctly in basic sentences.
Easy to pronounce and use in conversation.
Easy to understand when heard.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
متقدم
Grammar to Know
Adjective Usage (na-adjectives)
独身 is often treated like a na-adjective when modifying nouns (独身の + Noun), though it originates from a noun.
Sentence Endings (です/ます)
Using です (desu) makes statements polite, like 独身です (dokushin desu).
Particles (の)
The particle の connects 独身 to a noun, making it adjectival: 独身の人 (dokushin no hito - single person).
Examples by Level
私は独身です。
I / single / am.
です (desu) is a polite way to say 'am/is/are'.
これは独身の家です。
This / single / house / is.
の (no) connects 'single' to 'house'.
彼は独身の人です。
He / single / person / is.
人 (hito) means 'person'.
彼女は独身です。
She / single / is.
彼女 (kanojo) means 'she'.
独身は良いです。
Single / good / is.
は (wa) is a topic marker.
友達は独身です。
Friend / single / is.
友達 (tomodachi) means 'friend'.
独身の生活。
Single / life.
生活 (seikatsu) means 'life' or 'lifestyle'.
独身の男。
Single / man.
男 (otoko) means 'man'.
私の兄はまだ独身です。
My / older brother / still / single / is.
まだ (mada) means 'still'.
彼女は独身の生活を楽しんでいます。
She / single / life / enjoying / is.
楽しんでいます (tanoshinde imasu) means 'is enjoying'.
独身の人は自由が多いです。
Single / people / freedom / much / have.
多い (ooi) means 'many' or 'much'.
彼は独身で、仕事に集中しています。
He / single / and / work / focus / is doing.
で (de) here connects two clauses, indicating a state or reason.
独身のメリットは何ですか？
Single / advantages / what / is?
メリット (meritto) is a loanword for 'merit' or 'advantage'.
彼女は独身の友達がたくさんいます。
She / single / friends / many / has.
たくさん (takusan) means 'many'.
独身の期間は長かったです。
Single / period / was long.
期間 (kikan) means 'period' or 'duration'.
独身の選択は個人の自由です。
Single / choice / individual / freedom / is.
選択 (sentaku) means 'choice'.
最近、独身の若者が増えている傾向があります。
Recently, / single / young people / increasing / trend / exists.
傾向があります (keikou ga arimasu) means 'there is a tendency'.
独身の生活は気楽ですが、時々寂しくなります。
Single / life / carefree / but, / sometimes / lonely / becomes.
気楽 (kiraku) means 'carefree' or 'easy-going'.
彼は独身を貫き、仕事に情熱を注いでいる。
He / singlehood / maintain / work / passion / pouring into.
貫く (tatanuku) means 'to maintain' or 'to persist in'.
独身のメリット・デメリットについて話し合いました。
Single / advantages / disadvantages / about / discussed.
メリット・デメリット (meritto・demeritto) are loanwords for 'pros and cons'.
独身の女性がキャリアを築くことは一般的になりました。
Single / women / career / build / becoming common.
一般的になりました (ippanteki ni narimashita) means 'has become common'.
独身の期間が長いほど、結婚に対する考え方が変わることもある。
Single / period / long / the more, / marriage / towards / way of thinking / change / sometimes does.
〜ほど (hodo) means 'the more... the more...'
独身の友人たちと週末に集まるのが楽しみだ。
Single / friends / with / weekend / gather / looking forward to.
〜のが楽しみだ (no ga tanoshimi da) means 'looking forward to doing something'.
独身のまま人生を謳歌する人もいる。
Single / as / life / enjoy fully / people / also exist.
謳歌する (ouka suru) means 'to enjoy fully' or 'to revel in'.
現代社会では、多様なライフスタイルが認められ、独身の選択も尊重されるようになってきた。
Modern society / in, / diverse / lifestyles / recognized, / single / choice / also / respected / has come to be.
〜ようになってきた (youni natte kita) means 'has come to be' or 'has become'.
独身貴族という言葉は、経済的自立を果たした単身者を指すことが多い。
Single aristocrat / the term / economic / independence / achieved / single person / points to / often.
経済的自立 (keizaiteki jiritsu) means 'economic independence'.
独身の期間が長引くと、将来への経済的な不安を感じる人もいる。
Single / period / prolongs / future / towards / economic / anxiety / feel / people / also exist.
長引く (nagabiku) means 'to be prolonged' or 'to drag on'.
結婚しないという選択は、個人の価値観や人生設計によるところが大きい。
Marry / not / this / choice / individual / values / life planning / according to / large part.
価値観 (kachikan) means 'values' or 'sense of value'.
独身の友人たちとの関係を大切にしたいと思っている。
Single / friends / with / relationship / cherish / want to think.
大切にする (taisetsu ni suru) means 'to cherish' or 'to value'.
独身のままでいることをポジティブに捉える文化も広がりつつある。
Single / as / remain / positively / grasp / culture / also / spreading.
広がりつつある (hirogari tsutsu aru) means 'is gradually spreading'.
独身の子供を持つ親としては、将来が心配だ。
Single / children / have / parent / as, / future / worried.
〜としては (toshite wa) means 'as' or 'in the capacity of'.
独身の期間を自己投資に充てる若者が増えている。
Single / period / self-investment / allocate / young people / increasing.
自己投資 (jiko toushi) means 'self-investment'.
晩婚化や非婚化の進行に伴い、独身というライフステージの捉え方が多様化している。
Late marriage / and / non-marriage / progression / with, / single / this / life stage / perception / diversifying.
晩婚化 (bankonka) means 'trend towards late marriage'.
独身貴族という言葉には、現代における個人の自由と経済的余裕への憧れが反映されている。
Single aristocrat / the term / modern / in / individual's / freedom / economic / surplus / towards / longing / reflected.
憧れ (akogare) means 'longing' or 'aspiration'.
独身の期間における自己実現は、その後の人生における充足感に寄与する可能性がある。
Single / period / in / self-realization / subsequent / life / in / fulfillment / contribute / possibility / has.
自己実現 (jiko jitsugen) means 'self-realization'.
社会構造の変化は、独身者の増加とその社会経済的影響に新たな視点をもたらしている。
Social structure / change / single persons / increase / their / socio-economic / impact / new / perspective / bringing.
社会経済的 (shakai keizaiteki) means 'socio-economic'.
独身であることの自由を享受する一方で、将来的な孤立への懸念を抱える人も少なくない。
Single / being / freedom / enjoy / while, / future / isolation / concern / hold / people / not few.
享受する (kyouju suru) means 'to enjoy' or 'to receive'.
独身のライフスタイルは、個人のキャリア形成や趣味への没頭を可能にする。
Single / lifestyle / individual's / career formation / hobbies / immersion / enable.
没頭 (bottou) means 'immersion' or 'absorption'.
独身の親が直面する課題は多岐にわたるが、それを乗り越えるための支援体制も整備されつつある。
Single / parents / face / challenges / numerous / but, / overcome / for / support system / also / being prepared.
多岐にわたる (taki ni wataru) means 'to cover a wide range' or 'multifaceted'.
独身という選択が、個人の幸福追求の多様なあり方の一つとして認識され始めている。
Single / this / choice / individual / happiness pursuit / diverse / ways / one / as / recognized / beginning.
あり方 (arikata) means 'way of being' or 'state'.
現代日本における非婚化・晩婚化の進展は、単なる統計的現象に留まらず、個人のアイデンティティ形成や社会関係資本の変容といった、より深層的な構造変化を示唆している。
Modern Japan / in / non-marriage / late-marriage / progression / merely / statistical phenomenon / not limited to, / individual's / identity formation / social capital / transformation / like, / deeper / structural change / suggests.
社会関係資本 (shakai kankeihon) means 'social capital'.
「独身貴族」という表象は、高度消費社会における個人の自律性と、それに伴う解放感および潜在的な孤独感という二律背反的な様相を内包している。
'Single aristocrat' / the representation / high-consumption society / in / individual's / autonomy / accompanying / sense of liberation / potential / loneliness / two contradictory / aspects / contains.
二律背反 (niritsu haihan) means 'antinomy' or 'contradiction'.
独身期間における自己啓発や専門性の深化は、個人のレジリエンスを高め、変化の激しい現代社会を生き抜くための基盤となり得る。
Single period / in / self-improvement / expertise / deepening / individual's / resilience / enhance, / change / turbulent / modern society / survive / for / foundation / become can.
レジリエンス (rejiriensu) is a loanword for 'resilience'.
社会保障制度や家族観の変遷は、独身者に対する公的・私的支援のあり方に影響を与え、新たな社会的包摂の模索を促している。
Social security system / family views / transition / single persons / towards / public / private / support / way of being / influence / give, / new / social inclusion / exploration / encourage.
社会的包摂 (shakaiteki housetsu) means 'social inclusion'.
個人の幸福追求の多様化は、結婚という伝統的枠組みに囚われない生き方を肯定的に評価する風潮を生み出しており、独身という選択肢の社会的受容度を高めている。
Individual / happiness pursuit / diversification / marriage / this / traditional framework / not bound / way of living / positively / evaluate / trend / creates, / single / this / choice / social acceptability / increasing.
風潮 (fuuchou) means 'trend' or 'tendency'.
独身のライフスタイルは、個人の時間的・空間的自由度を最大化する可能性を秘めているが、同時に、社会的なつながりや相互扶助の欠如といった課題も内包している。
Single / lifestyle / individual's / temporal / spatial / freedom / maximize / potential / holds, / simultaneously, / social connection / mutual aid / lack / such as / challenges / also contains.
相互扶助 (sougo fujo) means 'mutual aid' or 'reciprocity'.
単に「結婚していない」という状態を超えて、「独身」というアイデンティティは、自己充足性、社会参加の形態、そして将来設計の独自性といった多層的な意味合いを帯びるようになっている。
Simply / 'married / not' / this / state / beyond, / 'single' / this / identity / self-sufficiency, / social participation / form, / future planning / uniqueness / such as / multi-layered / meanings / acquire / becoming.
自己充足性 (jiko juusokusei) means 'self-sufficiency'.
グローバル化と情報化社会の進展は、異文化間の比較を通じて、独身という概念の普遍性と特殊性を浮き彫りにしている。
Globalization / information society / progression / cross-cultural / comparison / through, / single / this / concept / universality / particularity / highlighting.
浮き彫りにする (ukibori ni suru) means 'to highlight' or 'to bring into relief'.
تلازمات شائعة
Idioms & Expressions
"独身貴族"
A single person, often implying they have financial independence and enjoy a luxurious lifestyle without marital responsibilities.
彼女は独身貴族として、世界中を旅している。(Kanojo wa dokushin kizuoku to shite, sekaijuu o tabi shite iru. - She travels the world as a 'single aristocrat'.)
casual/playful"一人身"
Literally 'one body', it refers to being single, often emphasizing independence or living alone.
一人身になって、自分の時間を大切にしている。(Hitorimi ni natte, jibun no jikan o taisetsu ni shite iru. - After becoming single, I cherish my own time.)
neutral"独り身"
Similar to 一人身, meaning single or alone, sometimes with a slightly more somber or lonely nuance.
彼は独り身で、静かに暮らしている。(Kare wa hitorimi de, shizuka ni kurashite iru. - He lives quietly, being alone.)
neutral/slightly informal"世間を賑わす独身"
A single person who is famous or talked about in the media, often celebrities.
その俳優は、世間を賑わす独身として有名だ。(Sono haiyuu wa, seken o nigiwasu dokushin to shite yuumei da. - That actor is famous as a single person who makes headlines.)
media/journalistic"独身を謳歌する"
To fully enjoy and make the most of one's single life.
彼女は独身を謳歌し、趣味に没頭している。(Kanojo wa dokushin o ouka shi, shumi ni bottou shite iru. - She is fully enjoying her single life and is absorbed in her hobbies.)
neutral/positive"独身のままでいる"
To remain single; to stay unmarried.
将来も独身のままでいるつもりだ。(Shourai mo dokushin no mama de iru tsumori da. - I intend to remain single in the future as well.)
neutralEasily Confused
Both relate to being alone or single.
一人 means 'one person' or 'alone' (quantity/state). 独身 refers specifically to marital status.
一人で食事をする (hitori de shokuji o suru - to eat alone). 私は独身です (Watashi wa dokushin desu - I am single).
Both mean 'unmarried'.
未婚 is more formal and often used in official statistics or legal contexts. 独身 is more common in general conversation.
未婚率の調査 (mikonritsu no chousa - survey of the unmarried rate). 彼は独身です (Kare wa dokushin desu - He is single).
Direct loanword translation of 'single'.
シングル is casual and borrowed from English. 独身 is the native Japanese term and can be used in more formal settings.
彼女はシングルだよ (Kanojo wa shinguru da yo - She's single! [casual]). 私は独身です (Watashi wa dokushin desu - I am single [polite]).
Being single is often associated with freedom.
自由 means 'freedom' or 'liberty'. 独身 means 'single' or 'unmarried'. While related, they are distinct concepts.
独身の生活は自由だ (Dokushin no seikatsu wa jiyuu da - Single life is free). 自由な時間 (jiyuu na jikan - free time).
Sentence Patterns
Noun + は + 独身です。
田中さんは独身です。(Tanaka-san wa dokushin desu. - Mr./Ms. Tanaka is single.)
独身の + Noun
これは独身の友人からのプレゼントです。(Kore wa dokushin no yuujin kara no purezento desu. - This is a present from a single friend.)
Noun + は + 独身の + Noun + です。
彼は独身の男性です。(Kare wa dokushin no dansei desu. - He is a single man.)
独身 + で + Clause
独身でいることを選んだ。(Dokushin de iru koto o eranda. - I chose to remain single.)
独身の + Noun + を + Verb
独身の生活を楽しんでいる。(Dokushin no seikatsu o tanoshinde iru. - I am enjoying my single life.)
عائلة الكلمة
Nouns
Adjectives
مرتبط
How to Use It
Formality Scale
أخطاء شائعة
独身 means 'single' or 'unmarried', so it cannot apply to people who are married.
While single people are often alone, 独身 specifically addresses marriage status.
The term 独身 implies an adult status where marriage is a possibility or expectation.
While 'single' is understood, 独身 is the native Japanese term and often more appropriate.
The term covers anyone not currently in a marital union.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a single 'door' (do) leading to a 'shrine' (shin). You are alone at this shrine. This represents being single (dokushin).
When Native Speakers Use It
Native speakers use 独身です (dokushin desu) very commonly to state their marital status in casual and polite conversation. They also use 独身の男性/女性 (dokushin no dansei/josei) frequently.
Cultural Insight
While marriage is traditionally valued, Japan has seen a rise in singlehood. Terms like 独身貴族 reflect evolving attitudes towards independent lifestyles.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember: 独身 (dokushin) is the noun/state, and 独身の (dokushin no) is the adjective form. For 'I am single', just say 独身です (dokushin desu).
Say It Right
Focus on the short 'o' sounds in 'do' and 'no', and keep the 'ku' sound light. Practice saying 'do-koo-shin noh' smoothly.
Don't Make This Mistake
Avoid using 独身 for children. It's an adult status term. Use simpler terms if needed, or just state they are 'not married' if necessary.
Did You Know?
The kanji for 'dokushin' (独身) literally means 'alone body'. It emphasizes the individual aspect of being single.
Study Smart
Create flashcards with 'Dokushin' on one side and 'Single / Unmarried' on the other. Add example sentences like '私は独身です'.
Listen and Repeat
Find audio clips of native speakers saying 独身です (dokushin desu) and 独身の生活 (dokushin no seikatsu) and repeat them multiple times.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Do' you want to be 'ku-shin' (carefree)? If you're single, you might be!
Visual Association
Imagine a single person standing proudly 'alone' (独) with their 'body' (身) – they are independent!
Word Web
تحدٍّ
Try saying 'I am single' in Japanese using 独身です (dokushin desu) to at least three different people (or imagine doing so!).
أصل الكلمة
Chinese (Kanji)
Original meaning: 独 (doku) - alone, single; 身 (shin) - body, self. Combined meaning: 'alone self' or 'single body'.
السياق الثقافي
While 'dokushin no' is neutral, discussions about why someone is single can sometimes be sensitive, depending on the context and relationship between speakers.
In English-speaking cultures, 'single' is a very common term. Concepts like 'single and ready to mingle' or 'happily single' reflect different attitudes towards being unmarried.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Introductions / Social Gatherings
- 私は独身です。(Watashi wa dokushin desu.) - I am single.
- おいくつですか？ (Oikutsu desu ka?) - How old are you? (Often followed by marital status)
- ご結婚は？ (Gokekkon wa?) - Are you married? (Polite inquiry)
Filling out Forms
- 未婚 (Mikon) - Unmarried
- 独身 (Dokushin) - Single
- 既婚 (Kikon) - Married
- 配偶者 (Haiguusha) - Spouse
Discussing Lifestyles
- 独身の生活は自由だ。(Dokushin no seikatsu wa jiyuu da.) - Single life is free.
- 独身貴族 (Dokushin kizuoku) - Single aristocrat (playful term)
- 一人暮らし (Hitorigurashi) - Living alone
Dating / Relationships
- 独身ですか？ (Dokushin desu ka?) - Are you single?
- 真剣な交際相手を探しています。(Shinken na kousai aite o sagashite imasu.) - I am looking for a serious partner.
- 結婚を考えています。(Kekkon o kangaete imasu.) - I am thinking about marriage.
Conversation Starters
"最近、独身の友達が増えたんだ。"
"独身の生活って、どんなところが一番良いと思いますか？"
"もし独身だったら、どんな風に時間を使いたいですか？"
"独身貴族って、実際どういう人たちを指すんでしょうね？"
"結婚しないという選択について、どう思いますか？"
Journal Prompts
Describe a typical day in your ideal 'dokushin no seikatsu' (single life).
What are the biggest advantages and disadvantages you perceive about being single?
If you were to write a song about being single, what would be the main theme?
Reflect on the societal views of singlehood in your culture versus in Japan.
الأسئلة الشائعة
8 أسئلةNo, 独身 is a neutral and standard term for 'single' or 'unmarried'. It's not considered rude. However, like any personal topic, asking directly or frequently might be considered impolite depending on the social context.
Generally, 独身 refers to adults. While technically a child is unmarried, the term implies an age where marriage is a relevant life stage. You wouldn't typically describe a child as 独身.
独身 is a more general term for being single. 未婚 is more formal and often used in official contexts, specifically meaning 'unmarried' (as opposed to married).
Yes, it generally refers to anyone who is not currently married, which includes those who have been divorced or widowed.
The most common and polite way is 私は独身です (Watashi wa dokushin desu).
Not inherently. The term itself is neutral. However, societal views on singlehood can vary, and in some contexts, there might be pressure or assumptions, but the word itself doesn't carry a negative meaning.
Yes, you can say 独身の人々 (dokushin no hitobito - single people) or 独身者 (dokushinsha - single person/people).
This is a more colloquial and often playful term for a single person who enjoys financial freedom and a luxurious lifestyle. It's not a direct synonym for 独身 but describes a certain type of single person.
اختبر نفسك
私は＿＿＿＿です。
The sentence means 'I am ____'. Since the context is about personal status, 'dokushin' (single) fits.
What does 独身の男性 mean?
独身 means 'single' and 男性 means 'man'.
独身の means 'married'.
独身の means 'single' or 'unmarried'. The opposite is 既婚の (kikon no) or 結婚している (kekkon shite iru).
Word
المعنى
This exercise helps connect the English meaning with the Japanese word.
The correct sentence is '独身の生活は楽しい' (Dokushin no seikatsu wa tanoshii), meaning 'Single life is enjoyable'.
彼女は＿＿＿＿で、仕事に集中している。
The sentence implies someone focusing on work, which is often associated with being single (独身).
Which term is the most formal synonym for 'single'?
未婚の (mikon no) is the most formal and official term, often used in statistics and legal documents.
Create a sentence using 独身貴族 (dokushin kizuoku).
This tests understanding of the idiom and its usage.
The term 独身 (dokushin) exclusively refers to individuals who have never been married.
独身 can also refer to divorced or widowed individuals who are not currently married.
現代社会では、＿＿＿＿というライフスタイルの選択肢が多様化している。
The sentence discusses diversifying lifestyle choices, where 'dokushin' (singlehood) is a key option.
النتيجة: /10
Summary
独身の (dokushin no) is your go-to Japanese adjective for describing someone who is not married.
- 独身の (dokushin no) means 'single' or 'unmarried'.
- It's a common adjective used to describe marital status.
- Can be used formally (未婚) or casually (シングル).
- Often paired with です (desu) as 独身です (dokushin desu) - 'I am single'.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a single 'door' (do) leading to a 'shrine' (shin). You are alone at this shrine. This represents being single (dokushin).
When Native Speakers Use It
Native speakers use 独身です (dokushin desu) very commonly to state their marital status in casual and polite conversation. They also use 独身の男性/女性 (dokushin no dansei/josei) frequently.
Cultural Insight
While marriage is traditionally valued, Japan has seen a rise in singlehood. Terms like 独身貴族 reflect evolving attitudes towards independent lifestyles.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember: 独身 (dokushin) is the noun/state, and 独身の (dokushin no) is the adjective form. For 'I am single', just say 独身です (dokushin desu).
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