独学

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The spelling is 独学, read as どくがく. It is a noun for learning through one’s own materials and plan without relying on a teacher or formal course.
• Basic usage: Acquiring a skill through self-study appears in 独学で技術を身につける, while continuing to study independently appears in 独学を続ける.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Difference from 自習
  • It focuses on teaching oneself an entire field without a teacher, rather than studying alone within an assigned course.