Japanese word

自在

Pronunciation

Romajijizai

Meaning

  • na-adjectivefreely

Example

彼は声を自在に変えます。kare wa koe o ji zai ni ka e ma su

He changes his voice freely.

Illustration for 自在 (freely)

More examples

経験を積むと、表現を自在に選べるようになります。kei ken o tsu mu to hyō gen o ji zai ni era be ru yō ni na ri ma su

With experience, you can choose expressions freely.

Core concept

Expresses the freedom to adjust or act as needed rather than being limited by fixed conditions.

Common phrases

  • 自在に変えるji zai ni ka e ru

    change freely

  • 自在に動かすji zai ni ugo ka su

    move freely

Similar words

自由jiyū: Allows action or choice without being limited by fixed conditions.
柔軟jūnan: Adapts readily to changing conditions or different needs.
臨機応変rinkiōhen: Changes an action or response to fit the situation.

Definition in Japanese

何ものにも妨げられず、自分の思うとおりに扱ったり動いたりするさま。nani mo no ni mo samata ge ra re zu ji bun no omo u tō ri ni atsuka tta ri ugo i ta ri su ru sa ma

Word origin

自在 (jizai) is a Sino-Japanese word combining 自 (ji, "self") with 在 (zai, "exist"), a structure associated with being independent and free to act.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 自在 (jizai) often describes flexible control of a tool, skill, or expression rather than unrestricted movement alone.

Opposites

Related words

  • 自在性jizaiseiflexibilitynoun

Word lists with this word