Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Free" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "free", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
暇な
ひまな (himana)
N4 / 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 暇な and 無償.
In Japanese, 暇な (ひまな (himana)) is typically associated with "free (time); not busy" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used to describe having free time or not being busy. It is a な-adjective, so it takes な before a noun.
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 "暇な"
週末は暇なので、映画を見に行きます。
Since I'm free on the weekend, I'm going to watch 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: "週末は ＿＿＿ ので、映画を見に行きます。" (Meaning: "Since I'm free on the weekend, I'm going to watch a movie.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "暇な" fits here because it means "free (time); not busy" in the context of: "Since I'm free on the weekend, I'm going to watch a movie.". "無償" represents "free of charge, without compensation, gratuitous".