Translation guide
Expresses that an action is left to someone's own judgment or choice. In Japanese, this is often conveyed through set phrases, adverbs, or grammatical patterns rather than a single word.
To say that someone can decide or act as they see fit, often in formal or official contexts.
Please fill in this field at your discretion.
Means 'freely' or 'as you like'. Used when giving someone freedom to choose or act, often in casual or semi-formal settings.
お菓子を自由に取ってください。
Please help yourself to snacks at your discretion.
時間は自由に使っていいですよ。
You can use the time at your discretion.
Literally 'I leave it to you'. A polite way to entrust a decision to someone else, often used in service contexts.
料理はシェフにお任せします。
I'll leave the meal at the chef's discretion.
Pattern meaning 'whether or not to do something depends on (someone)'. It emphasizes that the decision is up to the person.
参加するかどうかはあなた次第です。
Whether you participate or not is at your discretion.
Polite version of 自由に, often seen on signs or in formal invitations meaning 'feel free to'.
パンフレットはご自由にお取りください。
Please take a brochure at your discretion.
To indicate that someone uses their own judgment to take action, often without needing approval.
Means 'by one's own judgment'. Used when someone makes a decision independently.
自分の判断で行動してください。
Please act at your own discretion.
Means 'on one's own authority' or 'arbitrarily'. Can imply acting without consulting others, sometimes with a negative nuance.
Can sound negative, implying a lack of consultation. Use with care.
彼は独断で契約を結んだ。
He signed the contract at his own discretion.
Formal term for 'at one's discretion', often used in legal or business contexts.
この件は担当者の裁量で決めてください。
Please decide this matter at the discretion of the person in charge.
任意 (にんい) is more formal and often used in written rules or forms to mean 'optional'. 自由 (じゆう) is broader and means 'free' or 'as one likes', used in both casual and formal settings.
参加は任意です。
Participation is optional (at your discretion).
自由に選んでください。
Please choose freely (at your discretion).