synonym Comparative
自由に
VS
自粛
Differences Between "自由に" and "自粛"
Option A
自由に
Meaning
freely; without restraint; as one pleases
Reading
じゆうに (jiyuu ni)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
好きな時間に自由に仕事ができます。
You can work freely at your preferred time.
Option B
自粛
Meaning
self-imposed restraint; voluntary quarantine/refraining; self-control
Reading
じしゅく (jishuku)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
未曾有の国難に際し、多くの商業施設は営業を自主的に_______する決断を下しました。
On the occasion of the unprecedented national crisis, many commercial facilities made the decision to voluntarily refrain from business.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(freely; without restraint; as one pleases)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 自由に: This is an adverb (な-adjective stem + に) used to modify verbs, indicating that an action is performed without restrictions, constraints, or obligations. It conveys a sense of personal choice and autonomy.
- 自粛: Refers to self-imposed restraint, voluntary refraining from activities (events, going out, drinking parties) out of respect or crisis control. Often used with する as a verb (自粛する). ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Voluntary restraint?! Yes, voluntarily refraining from meeting other girls is the absolute basic rule of being my partner! No objections are permitted!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『自粛よ！他の女の連絡先を携帯から消去して、浮気の可能性を自主的に「自粛（予防）」するのは、私のパートナー（候補）として最低限の義務なんだからね！』
- 自由に: This is an adverb (な-adjective stem + に) used to modify verbs, indicating that an action is performed without restrictions, constraints, or obligations. It conveys a sense of personal choice and autonomy.
- 自粛: Refers to self-imposed restraint, voluntary refraining from activities (events, going out, drinking parties) out of respect or crisis control. Often used with する as a verb (自粛する). ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Voluntary restraint?! Yes, voluntarily refraining from meeting other girls is the absolute basic rule of being my partner! No objections are permitted!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『自粛よ！他の女の連絡先を携帯から消去して、浮気の可能性を自主的に「自粛（予防）」するのは、私のパートナー（候補）として最低限の義務なんだからね！』
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