alone

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 独 has 9 strokes and expresses being alone or independent of others.
• Basic usage: 独自 is read どくじ, and 孤独 is read こどく.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Independence and loneliness
  • 独自の方法 refers to the shop's own method.
  • 独自に開発した道具 describes an independently developed tool, emphasizing independence in development.
  • 孤独を感じる means feeling lonely. The example distinguishes it from 一人でいること, so being alone does not by itself imply loneliness.