Translation guide
The English word 'available' covers several distinct meanings: something is obtainable or ready for use, a person is free to meet or do something, or something is not currently in use. Japanese expresses these ideas with different words and patterns depending on the context.
Is this seat available?
Are you available tomorrow?
This product is available online.
Expressing that something can be obtained, purchased, or is ready to be used.
Literally 'obtainable'. Used for things that can be acquired, such as products, tickets, or information. Common in formal and written contexts.
This book is available online.
Literally 'usable/available for use'. Used for services, facilities, or resources that are ready to be used. Common in technical and business contexts.
A casual verb phrase meaning 'to be able to get one's hands on'. Used for things that can be obtained, often with a nuance of effort or luck. More conversational than 入手可能.
The basic verb 'to exist' (inanimate). In context, it can mean 'available' when asking or stating if something is present or in stock. Very natural in daily conversation.
Saying that someone is not busy and can meet, talk, or do something.
The most common way to say a person is free. Literally 'empty', used for schedules and people. Casual to polite.
Indicating that a seat, room, phone line, or resource is free to be used.
Same word as for people, but used for objects and spaces. Means 'vacant' or 'not occupied'.
Saying that someone is not married or dating anyone.
Means 'single/unmarried'. Neutral and commonly used.
利用可能 (available for use) is only for objects, services, or systems. Using it for a person's schedule sounds unnatural. Use 空いている or 都合がつく instead.
Is he available tomorrow? (unnatural)
This feature will be available from next month.
このゲームはもう手に入らないかもしれない。
This game might not be available anymore.
Excuse me, is this shoe available in size 9?
Are you available tomorrow afternoon?
Means 'free time' or 'not busy'. Can sound like you have nothing to do, so use carefully. Often used among friends.
Can imply 'bored' or 'having nothing better to do'. Use 空いている for neutral inquiries.
Are you free this weekend?
A polite expression meaning 'to be able to arrange one's schedule'. Used in business or formal situations.
Are you available next Tuesday?
Is this seat available?
Literally 'not in use'. More explicit and formal. Often seen on signs or in technical contexts.
This toilet is available.
Is he still available?
Literally 'doesn't have a boyfriend/girlfriend'. More specific to dating status. Casual.
I'm available right now. (I don't have a girlfriend.)
○ 彼は明日空いていますか？
Is he available tomorrow? (natural)
空いている simply means 'free/not occupied' and is neutral. 暇 implies having free time with nothing scheduled, and can carry a nuance of boredom. For polite inquiries about someone's schedule, always use 空いている.
Are you free this weekend?
Are you free this weekend? (casual)