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