自由

• Reading: じゆう
• Romaji: jiyuu
• Kanji breakdown: 自 (ji/shi/mizuka) — self, oneself; 由 (yuu/yu/yoshi) — reason, cause, from
• Pronunciation: /dʑi.jɯː/

Meaning

Freedom; liberty. The state of being free from restriction or control.

Functions as both a noun and a na-adjective (自由な). Common expressions include 自由に (freely), 自由時間 (free time), and 不自由 (inconvenient, handicapped). Also used casually: 自由にしてください (please make yourself at home / do as you like).

Examples

1. 週末は自由な時間がたくさんあります。 I have a lot of free time on weekends.
2. この国では言葉の自由が守られています。 Freedom of speech is protected in this country.
3. 好きなものを自由に選んでください。 Please feel free to choose whatever you like.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, politics, philosophy

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 自 (self) and 由 (reason, cause, from). Literally means from oneself — acting according to one's own will without outside constraint.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal