我流

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 我流(がりゅう) describes following a personally developed style rather than an established method.
• Basic usage: It describes learning to cook in one's own way without formal lessons.
  • 料理は習ったことがなく、すべて我流で覚えた。

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Learning alone and a personal method
  • 独学(どくがく) means learning independently without a teacher or classes. 我流 focuses on the method or style being one's own.
• Evaluation depends on context
  • 我流 may neutrally describe a personal method, or it may criticize a style developed without learning the fundamentals.