不自由

• Reading: ふじゆう
• Romaji: fujiyuu
• Kanji breakdown: 不 (fu) — not, negative; 自 (ji) — self; 由 (yuu) — reason, freedom
• Pronunciation: /ɸɯ.dʑi.jɯː/

Meaning

Discomfort; inconvenience; disability. A state of lacking freedom or ability in some area.

A na-adjective and suru verb. 不自由する means to be in want of or lack something. Common phrases: 体が不自由な人 (a person with a physical disability), 不自由なく暮らす (to live comfortably without want), 言葉に不自由する (to have difficulty with language). Combines the negative prefix 不 with 自由 (freedom).

Examples

1. 海外で言葉に不自由して困った。 I had trouble overseas because of the language barrier.
2. 祖母は足が不自由で杖を使っている。 My grandmother has difficulty with her legs and uses a cane.
3. 子供のころはお金に不自由したことがない。 I never wanted for money when I was a kid.

Usage Guide

Context: health, daily life, travel

Tone: sympathetic

Origin & History

Compound of 不 (fu, not/un-) and 自由 (jiyuu, freedom). Literally 'not free' — lacking the ability or comfort to do something easily.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal