1.
arbitrary decision; unilateral decision
a decision made alone without consulting others
独断で決めてしまった。
I made the decision arbitrarily (without consulting others).
独断で行動するのは危険だ。
Acting on one's own judgment alone is dangerous.
上司の独断でプロジェクト}が{中止になった。
The project was cancelled by my boss's unilateral decision.
独断と偏見で選んだ映画ランキングです。
This is a movie ranking based on my personal judgment and bias.
Often used self-deprecatingly when sharing personal opinions
独断専行は許されない。
Acting arbitrarily without authorization is not allowed.
2.
dogma; prejudice
an opinion or belief held firmly without proper justification
独断と偏見で選んだ映画ランキングです。
This is a movie ranking based on my personal judgment and bias.
Often used self-deprecatingly when sharing personal opinions
独断に陥らないように気をつける。
I'm careful not to fall into dogmatic thinking.
NUANCE:
独断 often carries a negative connotation, implying:
- Making decisions without proper consultation
- Acting unilaterally when teamwork is expected
- Being dogmatic or close-minded
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 独断と偏見 - "personal judgment and bias" (often used self-deprecatingly when sharing subjective opinions)
- 独断専行 - arbitrary action, acting without authorization
- 独断で決める - to decide arbitrarily
CONTRAST:
- 合議 - joint deliberation
- 相談 - consultation