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.
このアプリは無料です。
This app is free.
入場は無料です。
Admission is free.
Casual word for 'free.' Common in everyday speech, but can sound slightly informal.
これ、ただでもらったんだ。
I got this for free.
Adverbial form meaning 'for free' or 'without charge.'
無料でダウンロードできます。
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).
これはサービスです。
This is on the house.
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.
自由に使ってください。
Please feel free to use it.
自由な時間が欲しい。
I want free time.
Attributive form meaning 'free' (modifying a noun).
自由な社会
a free society
Adverbial form meaning 'freely.'
鳥のように自由に飛びたい。
I want to fly free like a bird.
Means 'liberation' or 'release.' Used when someone is freed from captivity, oppression, or a burden.
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).
この席は空いていますか？
Is this seat free?
午後は空いています。
I'm free in the afternoon.
Noun meaning 'vacancy' or 'free space.' Often used in compounds like 空き部屋 (vacant room).
空き部屋はありますか？
Do you have a free room?
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.
ボタンが外れている。
The button is free (loose).
Means 'loose' or 'slack.' Used for things that are not tight.
ネジが緩い。
The screw 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.'
Similar to なし, but often implies 'omitting' or 'leaving out.'
わさび抜きでお願いします。
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).
グルテンフリーのパン
gluten-free bread
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.
奴隷が解放された。
The slaves were set free.