1.
lone wolf; loner; maverick
A person who prefers to act alone rather than as part of a group. Can be used admiringly for someone independent and self-reliant, or descriptively for someone who avoids social groups.
彼は一匹狼タイプだ。
He's the lone wolf type.
一匹狼の刑事が事件を解決する映画だ。
It's a movie about a lone wolf detective solving a case.
職場では一匹狼として知られているが、仕事の実力は誰もが認めている。
He is known as a loner at work, but everyone acknowledges his professional ability.
USAGE:
Literally means "one-animal wolf." Used as a metaphor for someone who operates independently, often with a hint of admiration for their self-reliance. Frequently appears in fiction to describe protagonists.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 一匹狼タイプ (the lone wolf type)
- 一匹狼を気取る (to play the lone wolf)
- 一匹狼で生きる (to live as a lone wolf)
CULTURAL NOTE:
In group-oriented Japanese society, being a 一匹狼 can carry both positive (strong, independent) and negative (antisocial, uncooperative) connotations depending on context.