Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Free" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "free", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
お負け
おまけ (omake)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
無償
むしょう (mushō)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "free" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between お負け and 無償.
In Japanese, お負け (おまけ (omake)) is typically associated with "free gift; bonus; extra; discount" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents An extra item given for free, or a small discount. Often used in casual contexts or shopping..
On the other hand, 無償 (むしょう (mushō)) maps to "free of charge, without compensation, gratuitous" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Indicates that something is provided or done without expecting payment, reward, or compensation. Often used for volunteer work or charitable acts.. A literal translation of "free" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "お負け"
この本を買ったら、かわいいしおりがおまけでついてきた。
When I bought this book, a cute bookmark came as a free gift.
Bilingual Context for "無償"
彼は地域社会のために無償で奉仕している。
He volunteers his services to the local community free of charge.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この本を買ったら、かわいいしおりがおまけでついてきた。" (Meaning: "When I bought this book, a cute bookmark came as a free gift.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "お負け" fits here because it means "free gift; bonus; extra; discount" in the context of: "When I bought this book, a cute bookmark came as a free gift.". "無償" represents "free of charge, without compensation, gratuitous".