自 由(じゆう)

じゆう

na-adjective, noun

free, freedom

1. free, unrestricted

Having the ability to act, speak, or think without restrictions or constraints.

自由(じゆう)な時間(じかん)がほしい。

I want free time.

自由(じゆう)に使(つか)ってください。

Please use it freely.

自由に as adverb

子供(こども)の頃(ころ)は自由(じゆう)に遊(あそ)べてよかった。

It was nice to be able to play freely when I was a child.

2. freedom, liberty (noun)

The state of being free; the power to act without constraint.

自由(じゆう)は大切(たいせつ)です。

Freedom is important.

Used as a noun

自由(じゆう)を求(もと)めて戦(たたか)う。

To fight for freedom.

言論(げんろん)の自由(じゆう)はとても大事(だいじ)だと思(おも)います。

I think freedom of speech is very important.

言論(げんろん)の自由(じゆう) = freedom of speech

自由(じゆう) functions as both a na-adjective (free, unrestricted) and a noun (freedom, liberty).

Forms

Attributive: 自由(じゆう)な + noun (自由(じゆう)な時間(じかん) — free time)
Adverbial: 自由(じゆう)に (自由(じゆう)に使(つか)う — to use freely)
Predicate: 自由(じゆう)だ/です

Compounds

自由席(じゆうせき): unreserved seat
不自由(ふじゆう): inconvenience; disability
自由(じゆう)研究(けんきゅう): independent research (school project)
言論(げんろん)の自由(じゆう): freedom of speech
自由(じゆう)貿易(ぼうえき): free trade

Common collocations

自由(じゆう)を求(もと)める: to seek freedom
自由(じゆう)に行動(こうどう)する: to act freely
自由(じゆう)を奪(うば)う: to take away freedom

Related Words

Antonym: 不自由(ふじゆう) (inconvenient, impaired)

Compare: 気(き)まま (free-spirited)

Compare: 無制限(むせいげん) (unlimited)

Related: 不自由(ふじゆう)する (to be in want of)

Compare: 奔放(ほんぽう) (uninhibited)

Compare: 自在(じざい) (free)

Compare: 思(おも)いのまま (as one wishes)

Compare: 思(おも)うがまま (as one wishes)

Compare: 無拘束(むこうそく) (unrestrained)

general

Added 2026.1.7 21:03 · Revised 2026.9.4 21:29

01000/01148_jiyuu