Translation guide
The English phrase 'be free' can refer to having liberty, being available, costing nothing, or being unrestricted. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Expressing that someone is not imprisoned, enslaved, or restricted in their actions.
The most common and direct way to say 'be free' in the sense of having freedom or liberty.
彼は自由だ。
He is free.
やっと自由になった。
I'm finally free.
Means 'to be set free' or 'released', often from captivity or a burden.
人質が解放された。
The hostages were freed.
Literally 'a free person', used to emphasize one's status as free, often after being released.
彼はもう自由の身だ。
He is now a free man.
Saying that one has no prior engagements and can do something.
Means 'free' in the sense of having free time. Can sound blunt if used alone; often softened.
Literally 'empty', used for time slots or schedules. More neutral than 暇.
午後は空いています。
I'm free in the afternoon.
Means 'to have one's hands free', i.e., not busy with a task.
手が空いたら手伝って。
Help me when you're free.
Indicating that something does not require payment.
The standard word for 'free of charge'.
このアプリは無料です。
This app is free.
Casual word for 'free'. Often used in speech.
これ、ただでもらった。
I got this for free.
Adverbial form meaning 'for free'.
無料でダウンロードできます。
You can download it for free.
Describing a situation, rule, or action that is not constrained.
Pattern meaning 'can do freely'. Replace ～ with a verb.
ここでは自由に話せます。
You can speak freely here.
Means 'there are no restrictions'.
このプランはデータ制限がない。
This plan has no data restrictions.
Expressing that someone is without a particular burden, worry, or obligation.
Simple pattern: 'there is no ~'. Use with nouns like 心配 (worry), 責任 (responsibility).
今日は仕事がない。
I'm free from work today.
Means 'to be freed from ~'. Stronger nuance of release.
借金から解放された。
I was freed from debt.
自由 (jiyū) is only for freedom/liberty. For 'free of charge', use 無料 (muryō) or ただ (tada). For 'free time', use 暇 (hima) or 空いている (aiteiru).