How to Say "Liberation" in Japanese

解放

kaihō[ka̠iho̞ː]

The English word "liberation" is translated into Japanese as 解放 (kaihō).

解放 is used to describe the act of liberating or the state of being liberated.

Meaning: act of liberating or the state of being liberated (noun)

What does it mean word for word?

The word is composed of the kanji 解, meaning "to untie" or "to solve" and 放, meaning "to release" or "to let loose".

kaihō

In Japanese Buddhism, the concept of 'liberation' from the cycle of suffering is expressed through the term 解脱 (gedatsu), rather than using 解放.
In some digital contexts, 解放 is used to describe 'unlocking' a feature or a character in a video game that was previously restricted.
The character 放 is also used in the word 放送, meaning 'broadcast', treating the airwaves as a space where information is released.

戦争後、国は解放されました。
After the war, the country was liberated.
奴隷制度の廃止により、彼らは解放されました。
They were freed through the abolition of slavery.
解放は人々の希望をもたらします。
Liberation brings hope to people.
夏の休暇は解放感をもたらします。
Summer vacation brings a sense of liberation.
試験終了後、学生は解放感を味わいます。
After exams, students savor the feeling of liberation.
解放されたんや！
We've been liberated!
ストレスからの解放を求めている。
Sutoresu kara no kaifou o motomete iru.
I am seeking liberation from stress.
これは心の解放につながる。
Kore wa kokoro no kaifou ni tsunagaru.
This leads to liberation of the mind.
束縛からの解放は素晴らしい。
Sokubaku kara no kaifou wa subarashii.
Liberation from restraint is wonderful.

Kenta and Himari are talking about their stress levels at a cafe.

健太 Kenta

仕事のストレスから解放されたいよ。
Shigoto no sutoresu kara kaifou saretai yo.
I want to be liberated from work stress.
陽葵 Himari

たまには旅行に行くといいよ。
Tama ni wa ryokou ni iku to ii yo.
You should go on a trip once in a while.
健太 Kenta

そうだね、リフレッシュが必要だ。
Sou dane, rifuresshu ga hitsuyou da.
You're right, I need to refresh myself.
陽葵 Himari

健太君なら、きっとリフレッシュできるよ。
Kenta-kun nara, kitto rifuresshu dekiru yo.
If it's you, Kenta, I'm sure you'll be able to refresh.

Sources

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