![D1A5AF68-959B-4438-B7F3-9203CE1B4B87.jpeg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmbLwjQwTq8A2d6dmDyMXW8KHYowCJUaY6vpxZdCmEYNrt/D1A5AF68-959B-4438-B7F3-9203CE1B4B87.jpeg)
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# Breaking down the two kanji (Chinese characters) in the screenshot above, we find:

# 自, which means “oneself.”

# and

# 由, which means “wherefore,” “a reason.”

![C94C3299-BE75-46E5-BB05-845B060A5694.jpeg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmRPVnXWBJU398LqHZ2j5ePRNEN8UeBnKKxQzvHv6y4ZB1/C94C3299-BE75-46E5-BB05-845B060A5694.jpeg)

**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***:

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# 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.”**

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# Do you have a word or expression you especially love? Any language is fine. Let me know in the comments!

# ~KafkA


[<center>!https://s1.postimg.org/3txr5uwta7/subbutton.jpg </center>](https://steemit.com/@kafkanarchy84)
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***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!)***