Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Free" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "free", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
暇
ひま (hima)
N5 / 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 暇 and 無償.
In Japanese, 暇 (ひま (hima)) is typically associated with "free time, leisure; to be free" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents な-adjective.
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 "暇"
今日は暇だから、映画を見に行きます。
I'm free today, so I'll go to see a movie.
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: "今日は ＿＿＿ だから、映画を見に行きます。" (Meaning: "I'm free today, so I'll go to see a movie.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "暇" fits here because it means "free time, leisure; to be free" in the context of: "I'm free today, so I'll go to see a movie.". "無償" represents "free of charge, without compensation, gratuitous".