What does it mean word for word?
これ means "this" (referring to something near the speaker), 自由 means "freedom" or "liberty" and だ is the plain/informal form of the copula "to be".
Which one should you use?
これは自由です is a formal way to say 'This is freedom'. これは自由だ is an informal way to say 'This is freedom'. これは自由だよ is an informal way to say 'This is freedom' that sounds friendly or enthusiastic.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
これは自由です is the polite form, making it suitable for most social situations. これは自由だ is the informal or plain version. For a version that sounds particularly friendly or enthusiastic in an informal setting, you can use これは自由だよ.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form これが自由だ uses the plain form, which is common in literature, internal monologues or when speaking to equals/inferiors.
How do you pronounce it?
kore ga jiyuu da
Did you know?
- The word 自由 ('freedom') was not a common term in Japan until the mid-19th century. It was coined as a translation for 'liberty' during the Meiji era to incorporate Western political ideas.
- In Japanese, the word 自由 is frequently used as a modifier for 'self-service' or 'do as you please'. For example, a 自由席 is an unreserved seat on a train where you are free to choose where to sit.
- While 自由 means 'freedom', it is often paired with the concept of 責任 ('responsibility') in Japanese educational contexts. The phrase 自由と責任 suggests that one cannot have the former without the latter.
Examples in context
- これが自由だ。Kore ga jiyuu da.This is freedom.
- 一人で旅をする、これが自由だ。Hitori de tabi o suru, kore ga jiyuu da.Traveling alone, this is freedom.
- 何の制限もない、これが自由だ。Nan no seigen mo nai, kore ga jiyuu da.There are no restrictions, this is freedom.
Example conversation
Two friends are relaxing on a beach after finishing their exams.
- 大翔 Hirotoやっと試験が終わったな。Yatto shiken ga owatta na.The exams are finally over.
- 結衣 Yui本当に。これが自由だね。Hontō ni. Kore ga jiyū da ne.Really. This is freedom, isn't it?
- 大翔 Hirotoもう何も考えなくていい。Mō nani mo kangaenakute ii.We don't have to think about anything anymore.
- 結衣 Yuiゆっくり休もうよ。Yukkuri yasumō yo.Let's just relax.
