(むしょぞく)

むしょぞく
noun; adjective-no
independent, unaffiliated
1. independent, unaffiliated, nonpartisan
Not belonging to any political party, organization, or group. Most commonly used in politics for candidates or politicians who run without party affiliation, but also used in sports and other contexts.
(かれ)無所属(むしょぞく)出馬(しゅつば)した。
He ran as an independent candidate.
無所属(むしょぞく)議員(ぎいん)()えている。
The number of independent legislators is increasing.
彼女(かのじょ)政党(せいとう)(はな)れて無所属(むしょぞく)立場(たちば)から市長(しちょう)選挙(せんきょ)(いど)んだ。
She left her party and challenged the mayoral election from an independent position.

FORMATION:
() (without) + 所属(しょぞく) (affiliation, belonging). Literally "without affiliation."

USAGE:
Most commonly used in political contexts. On ballots and election coverage, candidates without party backing are listed as 無所属(むしょぞく). Also appears in sports contexts for athletes not affiliated with a team or club.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 無所属(むしょぞく)出馬(しゅつば)する: run as an independent
  • 無所属(むしょぞく)候補者(こうほしゃ): independent candidate
  • 無所属(むしょぞく)議員(ぎいん): independent legislator