How to say 'Freedom' or 'Liberty' in Japanese | 自由

Wondering how to say 'Freedom' or 'Liberty' in Japanese? You're in the right place!

The Japanese word for Freedom or Liberty is 'Jiyuu', written as 自由 in Japanese.'Freedom' or 'Liberty' in hiragana is じゆう.

word

自由

Meaning

Freedom, Liberty

Reading

じゆう

jiyuu

Kanji

自Self 由Reason

Explanation

The Japanese adjectival noun '自由 (じゆう)' primarily means 'freedom' or 'liberty'. It refers to the state of being free from constraints, whether physical, social, or psychological. This word is often used in contexts discussing personal freedom, free will, or the absence of restrictions. For example: I want freedom「自由が欲しい」(じゆうがほしい). Children have the freedom to play「子供たちは自由に遊べる」(こどもたちはじゆうにあそべる). It can also describe something being optional or unrestricted, as in 'free seating'「自由席」(じゆうせき). Note that while 'freedom' and 'liberty' are closely related, 'freedom' emphasizes the absence of constraints, while 'liberty' often implies the right or permission to act freely.

Part Of Speech

adjectival noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

1264

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

Kanji in the Word 自由

This word contains 2 kanji characters:

kanji

自

Meaning

Self

kanji

由

Meaning

Reason

Words Related to 自由 Through the Kanji 自

These 32 Words contain the Kanji 自 as well.

word

自分

Meaning

Self

word

自転車

Meaning

Bicycle

word

自身

Meaning

Self

word

自己

Meaning

Self

word

自動

Meaning

Automatic

word

自体

Meaning

Itself

word

自動車

Meaning

Car

word

自然

Meaning

Natural, Nature

word

自習

Meaning

Self study

word

自治

Meaning

Autonomy

word

自信

Meaning

Confidence

word

自炊

Meaning

Cooking

word

自宅

Meaning

Home

word

自転

Meaning

Rotation

word

独自

Meaning

Unique, Independent

word

自覚

Meaning

Awareness

word

各自

Meaning

Each

word

自然に

Meaning

Naturally

word

自立

Meaning

Independence

word

自主的

Meaning

Voluntary

word

自衛

Meaning

Self defense

word

自然科学

Meaning

Natural science

word

自殺

Meaning

Suicide

word

自衛隊

Meaning

Self Defense Forces

word

自主

Meaning

Independence

word

自慢

Meaning

Boast

word

自我

Meaning

Ego

word

自ら

Meaning

Oneself

word

不自然

Meaning

Unnatural

word

不自由

Meaning

Discomfort

word

自国

Meaning

Home country

word

自社

Meaning

Own company

Words Related to 自由 Through the Kanji 由

These 4 Words contain the Kanji 由 as well.

word

理由

Meaning

Reason

word

経由

Meaning

Via

word

由来

Meaning

Origin

word

不自由

Meaning

Discomfort

Learn the Word 自由

Let's make sure you fully understand this word.

What does 'Jiyuu' (自由) mean?

'Jiyuu' means 'Freedom' or 'Liberty' .

To help you master this word, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.