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How to Say ‘Is clothing free choice?’ in Japanese

服装は自由ですか。

fukusou wa jiyuu desu ka

[FOO-koo-soh wah jee-YOO dess ka]

🇯🇵 In Japan: Suits are the default at many Japanese workplaces, so asking whether dress is 自由 (jiyū) is a normal way to find out how relaxed a company is. IT companies and startups often say yes.

Phrase Breakdown

服装は

fukusou wa

As for clothing / dress code

服装 (fukusou) means 'attire'. The particle は marks the topic and is pronounced 'wa'. The 'ou' is a long 'o' sound.

Example

服装はスーツです。

The dress code is a suit.

Words in this phrase

服装

fukusou

[FOO-koo-soh]

clothing; dress code

What one wears; attire, often used about workplace dress rules.

Example

面接の服装はスーツです。

The attire for the interview is a suit.

は

[wah]

topic marker

は marks the topic of the sentence.

Example

空席はありますか。

Are there any seats available?

自由ですか。

jiyuu desu ka

Is it free / up to me?

自由 (jiyuu) means 'free' or 'optional'. ですか turns it into a polite question. Hold the 'yuu' a little longer.

Example

席は自由ですか。

Is seating open?

Words in this phrase

自由

jiyuu

[jee-YOO]

free; unrestricted

Freedom, or being free to choose as one likes.

Example

休みの日は自由です。

I'm free on days off.

です

desu

[dess]

is; polite copula

A polite sentence ending used in formal conversation.

Example

少し伺いたいです。

I would like to ask a little.

か

[ka]

question particle

Indicates a question with previous verb.

Example

飲みませんか？

Won't you drink?

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