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.
at your discretion (formal/optional)
Use in instructions or forms.
at your discretion (freely)
Use when giving someone freedom to choose.
To say that someone can decide or act as they see fit, often in formal or official contexts.
Commonly used in instructions or forms to mean 'at your discretion' or 'optional'. It implies the person can choose whether to do something.
Participation is at your discretion.
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.
Please help yourself to snacks at your discretion.
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.
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.
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'.
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.
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.
Formal term for 'at one's discretion', often used in legal or business contexts.
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.
Participation is optional (at your discretion).
Please choose freely (at your discretion).
He signed the contract at his own discretion.
Please decide this matter at the discretion of the person in charge.