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synonym Comparative
不自由
VS
申し訳ない

Differences Between "不自由" and "申し訳ない"

Option A
不自由
Meaning
inconvenience; disability; privation; lack of freedom
Reading
ふじゆう (fujiyū)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
彼は事故で足が不自由になった。
He became disabled in his leg due to an accident.
Option B
申し訳ない
Meaning
I'm sorry; inexcusable; I feel bad (used when one has caused trouble or inconvenience)
Reading
もうしわけない (moushiwakenai)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
ご迷惑をおかけして、本当に申し訳ありません。
I am truly sorry for causing you trouble.

Which one to use?

Select the correct Japanese word for this context

Which word fits this context: "(inconvenience; disability; privation; lack of freedom)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 不自由: 名詞。自由でないこと、または体が思うように動かせない状態、不便な状況を指す。形容動詞「不自由な」としても使う。e.g., 足が不自由な人 (a person with a leg disability), 生活に不自由を感じる (feel inconvenience in life).
- 申し訳ない: A polite and somewhat formal expression of apology, often stronger than すみません. It implies that there is no excuse for one's actions or the situation.
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