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
無料
むりょう (muryou)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "free" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 暇な and 無料.
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, 無料 (むりょう (muryou)) maps to "free of charge, complimentary" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used to indicate that something costs no money. Often seen on signs for services or goods. 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 "無料"
このアプリは無料でダウンロードできます。
You can download this app for free.
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.". "無料" represents "free of charge, complimentary".