無料
muryō
In Japanese, the phrase to say something is free is 無料 (muryō).
無料 is used to indicate that something is available to be had or used without paying money. It is most commonly used in commercial contexts, such as signs in shops, menus or advertisements, to indicate a service or item is at no cost. You can also use the phrase zenzen okane ga irimasen to express that no money is needed at all, and Muryō de douzo as a polite way to say "Please take it for free".
What does it mean word for word?
The word 無料 is composed of the characters 無 (mu), meaning 'none' or 'without' and 料 (ryō), meaning 'fee' or 'charge'.
Which one should you use?
Use 無料 when something costs zero money. Do not use it to mean 'unoccupied' or 'available' in the sense of a seat or a person's time. Additionally, タダ is a more colloquial and informal way to say something is free of charge compared to the standard 無料.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "It is free" in a polite, standard way, add です (desu) to the end of 無料 to form 無料です.
How do you pronounce it?
muryō
Did you know?
- When a service is 'free' as a promotional gift, Japanese businesses often use the word サービス (sābisu). In this context, it does not mean 'customer service' but rather a 'freebie' or a complimentary item given to a customer.
- The colloquial term タダ is often used in the idiom タダで得る ('to get something for nothing'). There is a common Japanese proverb stating that things obtained for タダ often end up being the most expensive in the long run.
- In very formal settings, such as high-end hotels, you might see the term 無料 replaced by ご招待 (goshōtai), which means 'invitation'. This frames the free service as a gesture of hospitality rather than a zero-price transaction.
Examples in context
- このWi-Fiは無料です。Kono Wi-Fi wa muryou desu.This Wi-Fi is free.
- 飲み物はすべて無料になります。Nomimono wa subete muryou ni narimasu.All drinks will be free.
- 駐車場は無料でした。Chuushajou wa muryou deshita.The parking lot was free.
Example conversation
At a cafe, Misaki is asking Hiroto about the menu.
- 美咲 Misakiこのデザートは無料ですか？Kono dezāto wa muryou desu ka?Is this dessert free?
- 大翔 Hirotoはい、無料ですよ。Hai, muryou desu yo.Yes, it is free.
- 美咲 Misaki本当ですか！嬉しいです。Hontou desu ka! Ureshii desu.Really! I'm happy.
- 大翔 Hirotoぜひ食べてみてください。Zehi tabete mite kudasai.Please try it.
