Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "自由な", "暇な", "無料", "無償"
All represent the core concept "free", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
自由な
じゆうな (jiyūna)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
暇な
ひまな (himana)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
無料
むりょう (muryou)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
無償
むしょう (mushō)
N2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "free" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "自由な", "暇な", "無料", "無償" based on context.
- 自由な (じゆうな (jiyūna) - Level: N4): Maps to "free, liberal" and is used when Describes a state of being unrestrained, having freedom, or acting as one pleases. 「な」adjective..
- 暇な (ひまな (himana) - Level: N4): Maps to "free (time); not busy" and is used when Used to describe having free time or not being busy. It is a な-adjective, so it takes な before a noun.
- 無料 (むりょう (muryou) - Level: N4): Maps to "free of charge, complimentary" and is used when Used to indicate that something costs no money. Often seen on signs for services or goods.
- 無償 (むしょう (mushō) - Level: N2): Maps to "free of charge, without compensation, gratuitous" and is used when Indicates that something is provided or done without expecting payment, reward, or compensation. Often used for volunteer work or charitable acts..
Context for "自由な"
彼女は自由な時間が欲しいです。
She wants free time.
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.
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.
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.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼女は ＿＿＿ 時間が欲しいです。" (Meaning: "She wants free time.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "自由な" is correct here because it represents "free, liberal" in the context: "She wants free time.".