Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Free" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "free", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
無料
むりょう (muryou)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
お負け
おまけ (omake)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "free" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 無料 and お負け.
In Japanese, 無料 (むりょう (muryou)) is typically associated with "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.
On the other hand, お負け (おまけ (omake)) maps to "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.. A literal translation of "free" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "このアプリは ＿＿＿ でダウンロードできます。" (Meaning: "You can download this app for free.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "無料" fits here because it means "free of charge, complimentary" in the context of: "You can download this app for free.". "お負け" represents "free gift; bonus; extra; discount".