自由自在(じゆうじざい)

じゆうじざい
adjective-na, noun
freely; at will; with complete mastery
1. freely; at will; with complete mastery
being able to do something freely and effortlessly, as one pleases; having complete control or mastery over something
自由自在(じゆうじざい)に動(うご)く。
To move freely.
彼(かれ)は英語(えいご)を自由自在(じゆうじざい)に操(あやつ)る。
He commands English with complete fluency.
このロボットは自由自在(じゆうじざい)に方向(ほうこう)を変(か)えることができる。
This robot can change direction freely.
熟練(じゅくれん)の職人(しょくにん)は道具(どうぐ)を自由自在(じゆうじざい)に使(つか)いこなす。
A skilled craftsman handles tools with complete mastery.

A four-character compound (四字熟語(よじじゅくご)) combining 自由(じゆう) (freedom) and 自在(じざい) (at will) for emphasis. Describes effortless mastery or unrestricted movement. Most commonly used adverbially with に.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 自由自在(じゆうじざい)に操(あやつ)る: to wield freely, to command with mastery
  • 自由自在(じゆうじざい)に動(うご)く: to move freely
  • 自由自在(じゆうじざい)に使(つか)いこなす: to use with complete skill
  • 自由自在(じゆうじざい)な動(うご)き: free, unrestricted movement

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 自在(じざい): freely, at will — the second half alone, slightly more literary
  • 自由(じゆう): free, freedom — broader meaning, not restricted to skill or mastery
  • 縦横無尽(じゅうおうむじん): in all directions, without limit — emphasizes range and reach
general
Added 2026.4.4 4:21
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