1.
independence; initiative; autonomy; self-direction
The quality of thinking and acting on one's own without being told or directed by others. Valued in education and the workplace as a sign of maturity.
子供の自主性を育てる。
To foster independence in children.
社員の自主性を尊重する会社で働きたい。
I want to work at a company that respects employees' initiative.
自主性に任せるだけでは、チームはまとまらないこともある。
Just leaving things to people's initiative sometimes isn't enough to bring a team together.
A compound of 自主 (self-directed, voluntary) and 性 (nature, quality). Describes the personal quality of being able to act and decide independently. Central to Japanese educational philosophy, especially in discussions about child-rearing and school culture.
USAGE:
Very common in education, parenting, and business contexts. Often paired with verbs like 育てる (to cultivate), 尊重する (to respect), and 重んじる (to value). Frequently contrasted with situations where people only follow instructions.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 自主性を育てる — to foster independence
- 自主性を尊重する — to respect autonomy
- 自主性に任せる — to leave to someone's initiative
- 自主性に欠ける — to lack initiative
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 主体性 — agency, proactiveness (stronger emphasis on being the driving force)
- 自立 — self-reliance, independence (more about practical self-sufficiency)
- 自発性 — spontaneity, voluntariness (emphasis on doing things without prompting)