自在(じざい)

じざい
adjective
free; flexible; at will; as one pleases
1. free; flexible; at will; as one pleases
The ability to act, move, or use something without any restriction, often implying a high level of mastery or skill that allows effortless control.
自在(じざい)に操(あやつ)る。
To control freely.
彼(かれ)は三(さん)か国語(こくご)を自在(じざい)に使(つか)いこなす。
He commands three languages with ease.
この工具(こうぐ)は角度(かくど)を自在(じざい)に調整(ちょうせい)できるので、狭(せま)い場所(ばしょ)でも作業(さぎょう)しやすい。
This tool allows you to adjust the angle freely, making it easy to work even in tight spaces.

Expresses freedom of movement, control, or ability without restriction. The word combines 自(じ) (self) and 在(ざい) (to exist), suggesting being in a state where one can act freely.

USAGE:

  • 自在(じざい)に + verb: freely, at will (most common pattern)
  • 自在(じざい)な + noun: free, flexible (adjectival use)
  • Often describes mastery or skill — someone who can use something 自在(じざい)に has full command of it
  • Also used for physical mechanisms that allow free adjustment

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 自在(じざい)に操(あやつ)る: to control freely
  • 自在(じざい)に使(つか)いこなす: to use with full command
  • 変幻自在(へんげんじざい): endlessly transforming; protean
  • 伸縮自在(しんしゅくじざい): freely expandable and contractable
  • 融通自在(ゆうずうじざい): infinitely flexible

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 自由(じゆう): free, freedom — broader meaning; can refer to social/political freedom
  • 思(おも)いのまま: as one wishes — more casual and subjective
  • 縦横無尽(じゅうおうむじん): freely in all directions — more dramatic and emphatic
general
Added 2026.4.2 21:50
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