Freedom in Chinese
The Chinese word for freedom is 自由 (zì yóu). The everyday Chinese word for freedom; reads well vertically.
zì yóu
Freedom
What 自由 means.
自 means self and 由 means “from” or “following”, so 自由 is acting from yourself. It is the standard word for freedom and liberty.
- 自
- self
- 由
- from, by one's own way
Simplified and traditional
自由
自由
自由 is written the same way in simplified and traditional Chinese, so every Chinese reader recognises it.
About freedom in Chinese
How do you write freedom in Chinese?
Freedom is 自由 in Chinese, pronounced zì yóu. Freedom 自 means “self”, 由 means “from, by one's own way”.
How do you pronounce 自由?
Say zì (fourth tone, falling), yóu (second tone, rising). Mandarin tones change meaning, so it is worth listening to a native speaker once.
Is 自由 different in traditional Chinese?
No. 自由 is written the same way in simplified and traditional Chinese.
Is 自由 a good Chinese tattoo?
Yes, it is a real, everyday Chinese word rather than a machine translation, so Chinese readers will understand it. Keep the characters in their order, top to bottom or left to right, and never mirrored. Choose a readable style such as Kaishu, bring a clean reference to your artist, and show it to a fluent reader before your appointment.