1.
alone; by oneself; unaccompanied
Being alone or going somewhere without companions. Often refers specifically to living or working away from one's family.
単身で海外に渡った。
He went abroad alone.
父は大阪に単身赴任している。
My father is on a solo work transfer in Osaka.
単身世帯向けのマンションが増えている。
Apartments for single-person households are increasing.
単身 can function as both a noun and an adverb. It is commonly used in compound expressions related to living or working alone.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 単身赴任 (solo work transfer — living apart from family for work)
- 単身世帯 (single-person household)
- 単身者 (a person living alone)
- 単身で乗り込む (to go in alone)
USAGE NOTES:
単身赴任 is one of the most frequently used compounds. It refers to the common Japanese practice where a worker is transferred to a distant office and lives alone while the family stays behind, typically so that children can continue at the same school.