Freedom in Japanese
"freedom" is written as one word in Japanese. No single kanji carries the meaning on its own.
The characters below are the ones most often used to write "freedom" and related ideas.
Which one to use
自由 (jiyū) is freedom, written 自 self and 由 cause — acting from oneself. No single character means freedom. 放 is to release. 翔 is to soar, and it is popular in names for the feeling rather than the meaning.
Top pick
set free, release, fire, shoot, emit, banish, liberate
Reading: hou
8 strokes
Where it comes from
Composed of direction and strike. Releasing direction.
What it carries
Broadcast, release, emit. Represents releasing.
Related kanji for "freedom"
Frequently asked questions
What is the Japanese kanji for freedom?
The most common kanji for "freedom" is 放, read as hou. It means set free, release, fire. Related kanji: 翔 (freedom).
How many strokes does 放 have?
放 has 8 strokes.