---

---

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!)