自じ由ゆうが利きかない

Meanings

1

expression, i-adjective

restricted; unfree; unable to act freely

Describes a situation where one's freedom of action or choice is limited, often due to external constraints or physical inability. The phrase is a set expression using 自由 (freedom) + が利かない (does not work/is not effective).

Written forms

自じ由ゆうが利きかない
Standard kanji spelling using 利く for 'to be effective/functional'.
自じ由ゆうが効きかない
Alternate kanji spelling using 効く, also common for 'to be effective'.
自じ由ゆうがきかない
Kana spelling for 利く/効く, often used when the kanji nuance is not needed.

Kanji

自oneself
由wherefore, a reason
利profit, advantage, benefit
効merit, efficacy, efficiency

Similar words

自じ由ゆうがきく
The affirmative form meaning 'to be able to act freely' or 'to be functional/flexible'. 自由が利かない is its negative counterpart.
融通ゆうずうが利きかない
Means 'inflexible' or 'unaccommodating', focusing on a lack of adaptability in rules or personality, whereas 自由が利かない emphasizes a lack of personal freedom or physical control.

Etymology

A set phrase combining 自由 (freedom) with the negative potential form of 利く/効く (to be effective/functional). The expression literally means 'freedom does not work' and is used idiomatically to indicate restriction or lack of control.