Word in Japanese/virtue
Freedom in Japanese
Freedom translates as 自由 (jiyuu). Below is a full breakdown with stroke counts, alternate writings, an example sentence, and tattoo design notes.
What it means
自由 (jiyuu, じゆう) means freedom.
| Kanji | Meaning | Strokes | On'yomi | Kun'yomi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 自 | self, oneself | 6 | ji, shi | mizuka(ra) |
| 由 | reason, cause, origin | 5 | yuu, yu | yoshi, yo(ru) |
Compounds and related words
Common Japanese vocabulary built around this kanji.
| Word | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 自由人 | jiyuujin | free spirit |
| 不自由 | fujiyuu | lack of freedom, inconvenience |
| 自由意志 | jiyuuishi | free will |
Example sentence
私は自由を大切にしています。
Watashi wa jiyuu o taisetsu ni shite imasu.
I cherish freedom.
Tattoo design notes
自由 is the standard, unambiguous word for freedom and is the only natural choice. The two characters together literally mean from oneself, reflecting the concept of self-determination. Both characters are well-balanced visually and work in vertical or horizontal tattoo layouts.
Cultural notes
自由 is a relatively modern concept word, coined in the Meiji era to translate Western political philosophy. It now appears across politics, daily speech, and creative contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say freedom in Japanese?
Freedom in Japanese is 自由, romanised as jiyuu and written in hiragana as じゆう. 自由 is a relatively modern concept word, coined in the Meiji era to translate Western political philosophy. It now appears across politics, daily speech, and creative contexts.
What does the kanji 自由 mean?
自 means "self, oneself" (6 strokes; on'yomi: ji, shi; kun'yomi: mizuka(ra)). 由 means "reason, cause, origin" (5 strokes; on'yomi: yuu, yu; kun'yomi: yoshi, yo(ru)). Together the word reads as jiyuu.
Is 自由 a good kanji for a tattoo?
自由 is the standard, unambiguous word for freedom and is the only natural choice. The two characters together literally mean from oneself, reflecting the concept of self-determination. Both characters are well-balanced visually and work in vertical or horizontal tattoo layouts.
How do you write freedom in hiragana?
In hiragana, freedom is written as じゆう, which represents the sound jiyuu. The kanji form 自由 is used in everyday writing; hiragana is used when the kanji is too difficult, for emphasis, or in children's text.
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