Comparing “dāndú” and “dúzì”
单独 vs 独自
Comparison section · original #33 · level order #126
How it works
Both 单独 (dāndú) and 独自 (dúzì) can relate to being alone, but they are different in usage and emphasis.
单独 (dāndú) means separately, alone, or individually. It often emphasizes separation from others or being treated as one separate unit. It can be used as an adjective, adverb, or verb-related modifier.
独自 (dúzì) means alone by oneself. It emphasizes that a person does something alone, without company or help from others.
So the basic difference is:
单独 (dāndú) = separate / individually / alone as distinct from others
独自 (dúzì) = alone by oneself
Example sentences
这个问题比较复杂，我想单独跟你谈一谈。
This issue is rather complicated. I would like to talk with you separately.
老师要求每个学生单独完成这份作业，不能互相抄。
The teacher required each student to complete this homework individually and not copy from one another.
那天晚上他一个人独自走在回家的路上，心里想了很多事情。
That night he walked home alone, thinking about many things.
她习惯了独自处理问题，不太愿意麻烦别人。
She is used to handling problems on her own and is not very willing to trouble others.
Key point
If the main idea is separate from others, use 单独 (dāndú). If the main idea is alone by oneself, use 独自 (dúzì).