Translation guide
The English word "free" has two core meanings: "not costing money" and "not restricted." Japanese uses completely different words for these, so it's important to choose the right one based on context.
Describing something that is provided without charge.
Is this free? · free admission · free sample · free shipping
The standard word for 'free of charge.' Used for goods, services, admission, etc.
This app is free.
Admission is free.
Casual word for 'free.' Common in everyday speech, but can sound slightly informal.
Adverbial form meaning 'for free' or 'without charge.'
You can download it for free.
From English 'service,' used in some contexts to mean 'free of charge' as a complimentary extra (e.g., free drink, free sample).
Describing freedom of action, choice, or lack of physical or social constraints.
free to choose · free time · set free · free speech
The general word for 'freedom' or 'free' in the sense of being unrestricted. Can be used as a noun or na-adjective.
Describing a seat, room, or time slot that is available.
Is this seat free? · Are you free tomorrow? · free table
The most common way to say a seat, room, or schedule is free (not occupied). From the verb 空く (あく).
Describing something that is loose, detached, or not tied down.
The rope is free. · free end
Means 'detached' or 'come off.' Used for parts that are not properly attached.
The button is free (loose).
Describing something that lacks a negative quality (e.g., sugar-free, tax-free).
sugar-free · tax-free · risk-free
Suffix meaning 'without.' Attach to a noun to mean 'free of/from that thing.'
sugar-free coffee
Describing a person who gives or shares without hesitation.
free with his money · give freely
無料 (むりょう) is only for 'free of charge.' 自由 (じゆう) is for 'freedom, liberty, unrestricted.' Do not confuse them. Saying 自由です for a free sample would mean 'it's freedom,' not 'it's free.'
Avoid directly translating 'free' as フリー (furii) in most cases. While understood in some compounds, it can sound unnatural. Use 無料 for cost, 自由 for freedom, and 空いている for availability.
I got this for free.
これはサービスです。
This is on the house.
Please feel free to use it.
I want free time.
Adverbial form meaning 'freely.'
I want to fly free like a bird.
Means 'liberation' or 'release.' Used when someone is freed from captivity, oppression, or a burden.
The slaves were set free.
Is this seat free?
I'm free in the afternoon.
Noun meaning 'vacancy' or 'free space.' Often used in compounds like 空き部屋 (vacant room).
Do you have a free room?
Means 'loose' or 'slack.' Used for things that are not tight.
The screw is free (loose).
税金なし
tax-free
Similar to なし, but often implies 'omitting' or 'leaving out.'
No wasabi, please. (wasabi-free)
Loanword from English, used in compounds like ストレスフリー (stress-free) or ノンアルコールフリー (alcohol-free).
gluten-free bread
He is free with his money.
Adverb meaning 'without stint' or 'freely.' Often used with verbs like 与える (give).
give freely