自由 zìyóu freedom
freedom; liberty; free; unrestricted
How to remember 自由: 自 self + 由 because = freedom.
Characters
How it is used
- Freedom / liberty as a value - 言论自由 (yánlùn zìyóu) freedom of speech; also 'free, unrestricted': 自由活动 (zìyóu huódòng) free time / do as you please.
- Works as noun and adjective; 自由自在 (zìyóu zìzài) carefree.
- Contrast 免费 (miǎnfèi) which is 'free of charge' - 自由 never means free-as-in-no-cost.
Example sentences
- 我自由了！ Wǒ zìyóu le!I'm free!
- 我只要自由。 Wǒ zhǐyào zìyóu.All I want is my freedom.
- 民主支持自由。 Mínzhǔ zhīchí zìyóu.Democracy encourages freedom.