Yojijukugo
Japanese meaning of 自力更生
Reading:
Voice sample:
じりきこうせい (jiriki kousei)
English Translation:
Rebuilding one's life through one's own efforts
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Rehabilitating or rebuilding through one’s own efforts/resources.
日本語で読む
他者の力に頼らず、自分の努力で立て直すこと。
Cultural Context:
Used in welfare/economic policy, corporate turnarounds, and personal recovery narratives.
日本語で読む
福祉・経済政策、企業再建、自己再生の語彙として広く用いられる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase for self-reliance; often with “を目指す.”
日本語で読む
• 自分の力で生活や状況を立て直す様子を表し、「〜を目指す」と組み合わせることが多い。
Trap for English Speakers
May be mistaken as refusing help entirely.
日本語で読む
他人の助けを全く受けない意味と誤解されることがある。
Example
Example 1Basic Example
彼は自力更生して会社を立ち上げた。
He rebuilt his life through his own efforts and started a company.
Example 2Applied Example
「俺は自力更生でここまで来た…誰にも借りはない！」
I rebuilt my life through my own efforts… I owe nothing to anyone!
Quick check
Meaning
What does 「自力更生」 mean?