Breaking down the two kanji (Chinese characters) in the screenshot above, we find:
自, which means “oneself.”
and
由, which means “wherefore,” “a reason.”
What a beautiful combo, right? Going by your own reason, and your own why.
This is the Japanese word for “freedom.”
Let’s look at three Japanese words and expressions I really enjoy, which use jiyuu:
ご自由にどうぞ
go-jiyuu ni douzo
”Freely go ahead; help yourself; as you please.”
自由市場経済
jiyuu shijou keizai
”Free market economics.”
自由業
jiyuu gyou
”Self-employed.”
Do you have a word or expression you especially love? Any language is fine. Let me know in the comments!
~KafkA
Graham Smith is a Voluntaryist activist, creator, and peaceful parent residing in Niigata City, Japan. Graham runs the "Voluntary Japan" online initiative with a presence here on Steem, as well as Facebook and Twitter. (Hit me up so I can stop talking about myself in the third person!)