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Vocabulary
遠慮なく

B1 adverb 8 min read

遠慮なく

enryo naku

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 遠慮なく in 30 Seconds

Explanation 遠慮なく in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should think of '遠慮なく' (enryo naku) as a magic phrase that means 'Please don't be shy!' or 'It is okay to do this!' Even if you do not know the complicated grammar behind it, you will hear it most often when someone is offering you food, drinks, or a place to sit. In Japan, people are very polite and often wait for permission before doing something. When a Japanese person says '遠慮なくどうぞ' (enryo naku douzo), they are giving you that permission. It is a very friendly and kind phrase. For example, if you are at a party and there is a lot of pizza, your friend might say '遠慮なく食べてね' (enryo naku tabete ne), which means 'Please eat the pizza, don't worry about being polite!' You can use it too! If you have some candy and you want to share it with your Japanese friends, you can say '遠慮なく食べてください.' It makes you sound very welcoming and nice. Just remember that it is usually used to encourage other people to feel comfortable. It is like opening a door for someone and saying 'Come in!' without them having to worry about the rules. It is one of the first 'politeness' phrases that helps you understand Japanese culture.

At the A2 level, you can start to use '遠慮なく' (enryo naku) in more varied sentences. You already know it means 'without hesitation,' and now you can see how it works as an adverb. It is made from the word 'enryo' (reserve/restraint) and 'naku' (without). So, it literally means 'without restraint.' At this level, you can use it to ask for help or to tell others to ask you for help. For example, 'わからないことがあれば、遠慮なく聞いてください' (If there is something you don't understand, please ask without hesitation). This is a very useful sentence for students or in a workplace. You will also see it in signs or advertisements, like '遠慮なくお入りください' (Please feel free to enter). Notice how it is often paired with the 'te-form' of a verb plus 'kudasai.' This is the most standard way to use it. It shows that you are being considerate of the other person's feelings and you want them to feel relaxed. You can also use it when you are the one receiving something. If someone offers you a gift or food and says 'enryo naku,' you can respond with 'では、遠慮なくいただきます' (Then, I will accept it without hesitation). This is a very natural way to end the 'politeness dance' and accept a kind offer.

At the B1 level, you should understand the deeper cultural nuance of '遠慮なく' (enryo naku) and its role in managing 'Uchi' (inside) and 'Soto' (outside) relationships. In Japanese society, 'enryo' is a virtue that shows you are thinking of others before yourself. However, too much 'enryo' can create a barrier to communication. 'Enryo naku' is the tool used to break that barrier when sincerity (honne) is needed over social facade (tatemae). You should be able to use it in professional settings to encourage honest feedback. For instance, in a meeting, you might say, '遠慮なく意見を述べてください' (Please express your opinions frankly). This signals to your colleagues that you value their true thoughts more than the hierarchical structure of the office. You should also recognize the difference between 'enryo naku' and synonyms like 'jiyu ni.' While 'jiyu ni' implies a lack of physical or logical constraints, 'enryo naku' implies a removal of psychological or social constraints. Furthermore, at this level, you can use it to describe your own intentions of being direct: '遠慮なく言わせてもらうと...' (If I may speak frankly...). This prepares the listener for a potentially blunt or honest statement, making it more socially acceptable. It is a key phrase for navigating the complexities of Japanese interpersonal dynamics.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use '遠慮なく' (enryo naku) with precision in both formal and informal registers. You should be comfortable using the more formal 'ご遠慮なく' (go-enryo naku) in business emails and official correspondence. For example, 'ご不明な点がございましたら、ご遠慮なくお申し付けください' (Should there be any unclear points, please do not hesitate to inform us). This level of Keigo (honorific Japanese) is essential for professional fluency. You should also be aware of the pragmatic limitations of the phrase. Even when someone says 'enryo naku,' they usually expect you to maintain a baseline of social etiquette. For instance, if a superior tells you to speak 'enryo naku,' they want your honest opinion, but they still expect you to use polite language (desu/masu) while delivering it. You should also be able to distinguish 'enryo naku' from 'kigane naku,' which is more about feeling 'at ease' and is often used among social equals. At B2, you should also be able to use the phrase in more complex grammatical structures, such as using it to modify noun-phrases or in conditional clauses. For example, '遠慮なく意見を言い合える環境' (An environment where opinions can be exchanged without hesitation). This shows a high level of linguistic control and cultural awareness.

At the C1 level, you should have a sophisticated grasp of '遠慮なく' (enryo naku) and its philosophical underpinnings in Japanese 'Omotenashi' (hospitality) and 'Wa' (harmony). You can analyze how this phrase functions as a 'negative politeness' strategy—it works by removing a potential burden (the need to be reserved) rather than by adding a positive compliment. You should be able to use it in high-stakes negotiations to transition from formal posturing to sincere deal-making. For example, 'ここからは遠慮なく、本音で話し合いましょう' (From here on, let us set aside our reservations and speak from the heart). You should also be able to identify literary uses of the word, where it might describe a person's character as being refreshingly direct or, conversely, somewhat brazen depending on the context. At this level, your usage should be indistinguishable from a native speaker's, knowing exactly when 'enryo naku' is appropriate and when a more indirect approach is required. You can also discuss the sociological evolution of 'enryo' in modern Japan, where younger generations might use 'enryo naku' more frequently to foster a more egalitarian social atmosphere, and how this contrasts with traditional expectations in rural or highly traditional corporate settings.

At the C2 level, your understanding of '遠慮なく' (enryo naku) reaches a near-native or scholarly depth, encompassing its historical evolution from the original meaning of 'enryo' (thinking of the distant future) to its modern social application. You can appreciate the irony that 'enryo naku' is itself a highly ritualized phrase that facilitates the suspension of ritual. You are capable of using it in complex oratorical contexts, such as speeches or academic lectures, to invite critical discourse while maintaining an aura of professional dignity. You can also perceive the subtle 'double-binds' that can occur; for instance, when a speaker says 'enryo naku' but their body language or the surrounding 'kuuki' (atmosphere) suggests that true directness would still be unwelcome. Your mastery allows you to navigate these micro-nuances with ease. You can also use the phrase in creative writing to evoke specific social tensions or to highlight the intimacy between characters who have moved beyond the need for 'enryo.' At this level, you don't just use the phrase; you understand its role as a fundamental pillar of the Japanese psyche, representing the constant tension between the individual's desires and the collective's harmony.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

遠慮なく in 30 Seconds

Used to encourage someone to feel at ease and act without the usual Japanese social restraint or shyness.
Commonly paired with polite request forms like 'てください' to show hospitality or openness in professional settings.
Can be used by the person receiving an offer to politely signal they are accepting without further refusal.
Essential for breaking through formal social barriers and fostering sincere, honest communication in Japanese culture.

The Japanese expression 遠慮なく (enryo naku) is a cornerstone of Japanese social interaction, acting as a vital linguistic lubricant that facilitates smoother communication between individuals. At its most basic level, it translates to "without hesitation," "freely," or "frankly," but its cultural weight is far more significant than these English equivalents suggest. To understand enryo naku, one must first understand the concept of enryo (restraint or reserve). In Japanese society, enryo is the practice of holding oneself back to avoid causing inconvenience to others or to maintain social harmony. Therefore, when someone tells you to act enryo naku, they are essentially giving you explicit permission to step outside of these rigid social boundaries. It is an invitation to be your authentic self, to voice your true needs, and to accept hospitality without the customary performance of refusal. This phrase is ubiquitous in Japanese daily life, appearing in domestic settings, business environments, and casual social gatherings. It serves to bridge the gap between the formal self and the true self, creating a space where honest exchange can occur.

The Social Function: In a culture where 'reading the air' (kuuki wo yomu) is essential, this phrase serves as a clear signal that the usual rules of restraint are temporarily suspended. It is used to make guests feel comfortable and to encourage participation in group settings.

わからないことがあれば、遠慮なく質問してください。

Psychological Relief: For many Japanese speakers, being told to act without hesitation provides a psychological 'green light' that reduces the anxiety of potentially being perceived as selfish or demanding.

どうぞ、遠慮なくお召し上がりください。

Formal vs Informal: While the phrase itself is an adverb, it is often paired with polite verb forms in formal settings or casual endings among friends, making it highly versatile across all registers of the Japanese language.

困ったときは遠慮なく言ってね。

自分の家だと思って遠慮なくくつろいでください。

意見があれば、遠慮なく述べてください。

Understanding this phrase is key to mastering Japanese hospitality and professional collaboration, as it signals a desire for openness and sincerity.

Using 遠慮なく (enryo naku) correctly involves understanding its grammatical placement as an adverb and the pragmatic context of the sentence. Grammatically, it modifies the verb that follows it, indicating the manner in which the action should be performed—specifically, without the usual social restraint. The most common structure is [Verb] + 遠慮なく or 遠慮なく + [Verb], though the latter is far more frequent in imperative or request forms. When you want to encourage someone to do something, you often use the form 遠慮なく〜してください (please do ... without hesitation). This is the standard way to show hospitality. For example, if you are hosting a dinner, you might say 遠慮なく食べてください (please eat freely). In a business context, a manager might say 遠慮なく意見を言ってください (please state your opinions frankly) to encourage subordinates to speak up during a brainstorming session.

Imperative Forms: Combining the adverb with the 'te-form' of a verb plus 'kudasai' creates a polite request that removes the burden of social obligation from the listener. It is the most frequent usage in daily life.

おかわりは遠慮なくお申し付けください。

Self-Referential Usage: While usually used to encourage others, you can also use it to describe your own actions when you intend to be direct. For example, '遠慮なく言わせてもらうと' (If I may speak frankly...).

遠慮なく使わせていただきます。

Negative Constraints: It is rarely used in a negative sense to tell someone NOT to do something without hesitation; instead, you would simply use the word 'enryo' (restraint) as a noun or verb.

必要なものがあれば、遠慮なく取ってください。

この資料は遠慮なく共有して構いません。

もし迷惑でしたら、遠慮なく断ってください。

By mastering these patterns, you can navigate various social tiers in Japan with confidence, knowing exactly how to put others at ease.

In the real world, 遠慮なく (enryo naku) is heard most frequently in situations involving hospitality, service, and mentorship. Imagine walking into a Japanese friend's home for the first time. The air might be thick with the mutual desire to be polite. The host will almost certainly say, "遠慮なく、くつろいでね" (Please make yourself at home without hesitation). This serves as the verbal key to unlocking the formal atmosphere. In the service industry, such as at a high-end ryokan (traditional inn) or a department store, staff will use the highly formal version, "ご遠慮なくお申し付けください" (Please do not hesitate to tell us your requests). This is not just a polite phrase; it is a professional standard designed to ensure the customer feels their needs are prioritized over the staff's convenience.

The Business Meeting: During the Q&A session of a presentation, the speaker will often end with '遠慮なくご質問ください' to break the silence that often follows a Japanese lecture. It signals that questions, even critical ones, are welcome.

皆様、遠慮なくご意見をお聞かせください。

The Academic Environment: Professors use this phrase to encourage students to visit during office hours or to challenge theories during a seminar, emphasizing that the pursuit of knowledge should bypass social hierarchy.

研究室にはいつでも遠慮なく来てください。

Casual Friendships: Among close friends, the phrase is shortened or used in a more rhythmic way to show that no secrets or formalities are needed between them.

悩みがあるなら、遠慮なく相談してよ。

お茶のおかわり、遠慮なくどうぞ。

写真は遠慮なく撮ってくださいね。

Whether in a quiet tea room or a bustling office, hearing enryo naku is a sign that the speaker values your comfort and honesty above all else.

While 遠慮なく (enryo naku) is a friendly and welcoming phrase, it is easy for English speakers to misinterpret the 'freedom' it grants. One of the most common mistakes is taking the phrase too literally and failing to observe basic common sense or etiquette. Even when told to act without hesitation, a certain level of Japanese 'reishiki' (etiquette) still applies. For example, if a host says "遠慮なく食べてください," it does not mean you should eat everything on the table and leave nothing for others. It means you should eat until you are satisfied without feeling the need to perform a 'polite refusal' (enryo).

Mistake 1: The 'Politeness Paradox': Sometimes, learners use 'enryo naku' when they themselves are doing something that might be rude, thinking it excuses their behavior. For example, saying 'enryo naku' while cutting in line is incorrect. It is a phrase used to INVITE others to be free, or to describe one's own DIRECTNESS in a constructive way.

❌ 遠慮なくあなたの席に座ります。(I will sit in your seat without hesitation - sounds arrogant).

Mistake 2: Register Mismatch: Using the plain 'enryo naku' without the 'go-' prefix in a very formal business setting can sometimes come across as slightly too casual, though it is generally understood. In high-level Keigo, 'go-enryo naku' is preferred.

❌ 社長、遠慮なく話して。(President, speak without hesitation - way too casual).

Mistake 3: Confusing with 'Jiyu ni': 'Jiyu ni' means 'freely' in terms of choice or action, whereas 'enryo naku' specifically addresses the removal of social hesitation. You use 'jiyu ni' for 'do it however you like,' and 'enryo naku' for 'don't feel bad about doing it.'

✅ 遠慮なくおっしゃってください。(Please speak without holding back).

❌ 彼は遠慮なく私の秘密を話した。(He told my secret without hesitation - 'enryo naku' is too positive here; 'katte ni' or 'zuzuushiku' would be better).

✅ 招待されたので、遠慮なくお邪魔します。(Since I was invited, I will come in without hesitation).

Avoiding these pitfalls will help you use this phrase to build stronger, more sincere relationships in Japan.

To truly master 遠慮なく (enryo naku), it is helpful to compare it with other Japanese terms that express similar ideas of freedom, directness, and lack of restraint. While enryo naku is the most common and versatile, other words offer different nuances depending on the relationship between the speakers and the specific context of the action.

気兼ねなく (Kigane naku): This is very similar to 'enryo naku' but focuses more on 'not worrying about what others think' or 'not feeling constrained by the presence of others.' It is often used between friends or family to suggest a relaxed atmosphere where no one needs to walk on eggshells.

週末は、気兼ねなく遊びに来てね。

自由に (Jiyu ni): This means 'freely' in a more general sense. While 'enryo naku' removes a social barrier, 'jiyu ni' suggests that the person has multiple options and can choose any of them. For example, 'jiyu ni tsukatte' means 'use it however you want,' whereas 'enryo naku tsukatte' means 'don't feel bad about using it.'

このスペースは、自由に使ってください。

存分に (Zonbun ni): This means 'to one's heart's content' or 'fully.' It is often used when encouraging someone to enjoy an experience to the maximum level possible, such as a meal or a vacation.

北海道の冬を、存分に楽しんでください。

ざっくばらんに (Zakkubaran ni): This is a more casual and slightly old-fashioned way of saying 'frankly' or 'openly.' It is almost exclusively used for communication and speaking one's mind without pretense.

今日はざっくばらんに話し合いましょう。

何かあれば、心置きなくおっしゃってください。

どうぞ、お気軽にお立ち寄りください。

Understanding these synonyms allows you to fine-tune your Japanese and express the exact level of warmth and openness you desire.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In the 'Analects of Confucius', it is said that 'If a man take no thought for what is distant, he will find sorrow near at hand.' This is the original root of 'enryo'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK en.ɾʲo.na.kɯ

US en.ɾjo.nɑ.ku

Japanese does not use stress accent like English; instead, it uses pitch accent. For 'enryo', the pitch is typically low-high-high-high.

Rhymes With

Saku (to bloom) Kaku (to write) Raku (ease/comfort) Haku (to wear) Maku (to sow) Taku (table/desk) Yaku (to burn) Waku (to boil)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ryo' as two separate syllables 'ree-oh'. It should be a single smooth sound.
Over-emphasizing the final 'u' sound. In natural speech, it is almost silent.
Replacing the Japanese 'r' with an English 'r' which involves the tongue curling back.
Failing to double the 'n' sound in 'enryo' (it is a moraic nasal).
Pronouncing 'naku' like the English word 'knock'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The Kanji for 'enryo' are common but require practice to write correctly.

Writing 4/5

Writing '遠慮' requires remembering many strokes (13 for 遠 and 15 for 慮).

Speaking 2/5

The phrase is very common and easy to drop into conversations once learned.

Listening 2/5

It is a very distinct phrase that is easy to recognize in spoken Japanese.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

遠い (tooi) ない (nai) ください (kudasai) どうぞ (douzo) 食べる (taberu)

Learn Next

気兼ねなく (kigane naku) お気軽に (okigaru ni) お申し付けください (omoushitsuke kudasai) 差し支えなければ (sashitsukaenakereba) 恐縮ですが (kyoushuku desu ga)

Advanced

忖度 (sontaku) 空気を読む (kuuki wo yomu) 建前 (tatemae) 本音 (honne) 謙譲語 (kenjougo)

Grammar to Know

Adverbial form of adjectives (i-adjective to -ku)

ない (nai) becomes なく (naku).

Te-form + Kudasai (Requests)

食べてください (tabete kudasai).

Honorific Prefix 'Go-'

ご遠慮 (go-enryo) for extra politeness.

Causative-Benefactive (~sasete morau)

使わせていただきます (tsukawasete itadakimasu).

Humble language (Kenjougo)

申し上げます (moushiagemasu).

Examples by Level

遠慮なく食べてください。

Please eat without hesitation.

The verb 'tabete' is the te-form of 'taberu' (to eat).

遠慮なくどうぞ。

Please, go ahead (without hesitation).

'Douzo' is a general polite way to say 'after you' or 'go ahead'.

遠慮なく飲んでね。

Drink freely, okay?

'Ne' at the end makes it sound friendly and casual.

遠慮なく座ってください。

Please sit down without hesitation.

Uses the polite 'てください' (te kudasai) request form.

遠慮なく使って。

Use it without hesitation.

Shortened casual form of 'tsukatte kudasai'.

遠慮なく言ってください。

Please say it without hesitation.

'Itte' is the te-form of 'iu' (to say).

遠慮なく入ってください。

Please come in without hesitation.

'Haitte' is the te-form of 'hairu' (to enter).

遠慮なく取ってね。

Take one without hesitation, okay?

'Totte' is the te-form of 'toru' (to take).

わからないことは遠慮なく聞いてください。

Please ask without hesitation about things you don't understand.

'Kite' is the te-form of 'kiku' (to ask/listen).

遠慮なく、おかわりしてください。

Please have a second helping without hesitation.

'Okawari' means a second serving or refill.

困ったときは遠慮なく電話してね。

Call me without hesitation when you are in trouble.

'Denwa shite' is the casual request form for 'to call'.

遠慮なく私のペンを使ってください。

Please use my pen without hesitation.

Shows possession using 'watashi no'.

遠慮なく写真を撮ってもいいですよ。

It is okay to take photos without hesitation.

'~te mo ii desu' means 'it is okay to...'

遠慮なく質問をしてください。

Please ask questions without hesitation.

'Shitsumon' is the noun for 'question'.

遠慮なくこの部屋で休んでください。

Please rest in this room without hesitation.

'Yasunde' is the te-form of 'yasumu' (to rest).

遠慮なく好きなものを選んでください。

Please choose what you like without hesitation.

'Erande' is the te-form of 'erabu' (to choose).

遠慮なく意見を言ってください。

Please state your opinions without hesitation.

Encourages 'honne' (true feelings) in a group.

遠慮なく言わせてもらうと、それは少し高いです。

If I may speak frankly, that is a bit expensive.

'Iwasete morau' is the causative-benefactive form.

では、遠慮なくいただきます。

Then, I will accept it without hesitation.

A set phrase to accept hospitality politely.

何か手伝うことがあれば遠慮なくおっしゃってください。

If there is anything I can help with, please tell me without hesitation.

'Ossharu' is the honorific (Keigo) version of 'iu'.

遠慮なく自分の家だと思ってくつろいでください。

Please make yourself at home without hesitation.

'Jibun no ie da to omotte' (thinking it is your own house).

もし迷惑でしたら、遠慮なく断ってください。

If it is an inconvenience, please refuse without hesitation.

'Kotowatte' is the te-form of 'kotowaru' (to refuse).

遠慮なく資料を共有してください。

Please share the documents without hesitation.

'Shiryou' means documents or materials.

遠慮なく連絡先を教えてください。

Please tell me your contact information without hesitation.

'Renrakusaki' means contact information.

ご不明な点がございましたら、ご遠慮なくお申し付けください。

If there are any unclear points, please do not hesitate to let us know.

High-level Keigo using 'go-' prefix and 'moushitsuke'.

遠慮なく批判していただくことが、私の成長につながります。

Criticizing me without hesitation will lead to my growth.

'Itadaku' is humble Japanese for receiving an action.

遠慮なく自分の意見を主張できる場を作りたいです。

I want to create a place where people can assert their opinions without hesitation.

'Shujou' means assertion or claim.

彼は目上の人に対しても遠慮なく意見を述べる。

He expresses his opinions without hesitation even to his superiors.

'Meue no hito' refers to people of higher status.

遠慮なくアドバイスをいただければ幸いです。

I would be grateful if you could give me advice without hesitation.

'Saiwai desu' is a formal way to say 'I would be happy/grateful'.

必要なものは何でも、遠慮なく持っていってください。

Please take whatever you need without hesitation.

'Nan demo' means anything/whatever.

遠慮なく本音を語り合える仲になりたい。

I want us to become friends who can share our true feelings without hesitation.

'Honne' means true feelings/motives.

遠慮なく質問をぶつけてください。

Please throw your questions at me without hesitation.

'Butsukete' implies a vigorous or direct action.

契約内容について、遠慮なく修正案を提示してください。

Please present any proposed amendments to the contract without hesitation.

Business terminology: 'shuuseian' (amendment) and 'teiji' (presentation).

遠慮なく申し上げますと、この計画には無理があります。

To speak frankly, this plan is unrealistic.

'Moushiagemasu' is the humble form of 'iu'.

お気づきの点がございましたら、遠慮なくご指摘ください。

If there is anything you notice, please point it out without hesitation.

'Goshiteki' is the honorific form of 'shiteki' (point out).

遠慮なく反対意見を出せる文化が、イノベーションを生む。

A culture where opposing views can be voiced without hesitation breeds innovation.

'Hantai iken' means opposing opinion.

遠慮なくご要望をお聞かせいただければ、柔軟に対応いたします。

If you let us know your requests without hesitation, we will respond flexibly.

'Juunan ni' means flexibly.

遠慮なく真実を追求する姿勢が、科学者には求められる。

An attitude of pursuing the truth without hesitation is required of scientists.

'Tsuikyuu' means pursuit.

遠慮なく自分の能力を発揮できる環境を整える。

We will prepare an environment where you can demonstrate your abilities without hesitation.

'Hakki' means display or demonstration of power.

遠慮なく議論を戦わせることで、より良い結論に至る。

By engaging in debate without hesitation, we will reach a better conclusion.

'Giron wo tatakawaseru' is an idiom for engaging in a heated debate.

遠慮なく筆を振るう作家の言葉は、読者の心に深く刺さる。

The words of an author who wields their pen without hesitation pierce deep into the reader's heart.

'Fude wo furuu' is a literary expression for writing vigorously.

遠慮なく自己のアイデンティティを表明することは、現代社会の課題である。

Expressing one's identity without hesitation is a challenge in modern society.

'Hyoumei' means declaration or manifestation.

遠慮なく既存の価値観を破壊し、新たな地平を切り拓く。

To destroy existing values without hesitation and carve out a new horizon.

'Chihei wo kirihiraku' is a metaphor for pioneering.

遠慮なく権力に立ち向かう勇気が、民主主義の根幹を成す。

The courage to stand up to power without hesitation forms the basis of democracy.

'Konkan' means root or core.

遠慮なく自然の驚異を活写したその絵画は、観る者を圧倒する。

That painting, which vividly depicts the wonders of nature without hesitation, overwhelms the viewer.

'Kassha' means vivid depiction.

遠慮なく他者の内面に踏み込むことは、時として暴力となり得る。

Stepping into another's inner world without hesitation can sometimes become a form of violence.

'Fumikomu' means to step into or intrude.

遠慮なく己の信念を貫くことは、孤独を伴う道でもある。

Consistently following one's beliefs without hesitation is also a path that involves loneliness.

'Tsuranuku' means to carry through or pierce.

遠慮なく知的好奇心を追求できる社会こそが、文明の極みである。

A society where intellectual curiosity can be pursued without hesitation is the pinnacle of civilization.

'Kiwami' means the height or extreme.

Common Collocations

遠慮なく食べる

遠慮なく言う

遠慮なく質問する

遠慮なく使う

遠慮なく連絡する

遠慮なく断る

遠慮なくくつろぐ

遠慮なく相談する

遠慮なく指摘する

遠慮なく頼む

Common Phrases

遠慮なくどうぞ

— A general invitation to go ahead or help oneself. It is extremely versatile.

お茶が入りましたよ。遠慮なくどうぞ。

遠慮なくおっしゃってください

— A polite way to ask someone to tell you their needs or opinions. Used in service.

ご希望があれば遠慮なくおっしゃってください。

遠慮なくいただきます

— The standard polite response when accepting food or a gift after being encouraged.

おいしそうですね。では、遠慮なくいただきます。

遠慮なく言わせてもらうと

— A preface used before saying something direct, blunt, or potentially critical.

遠慮なく言わせてもらうと、君の考えは甘い。

ご遠慮なくお申し付けください

— The most formal business version of 'please don't hesitate to tell us.'

何かございましたら、ご遠慮なくお申し付けください。

遠慮なく使ってください

— An invitation to use an object, a room, or a resource without feeling guilty.

私の車、遠慮なく使ってください。

遠慮なく質問してね

— A casual way for a senior or teacher to encourage questions from a junior.

初めてで不安だろうけど、遠慮なく質問してね。

遠慮なくお入りください

— A welcoming phrase used at the entrance of a home, shop, or office.

準備はできていますので、遠慮なくお入りください。

遠慮なくお楽しみください

— Used to tell guests to enjoy an event or party to the fullest.

パーティーは始まったばかりです。遠慮なくお楽しみください。

遠慮なくお休みください

— Used to tell someone who is tired or sick to rest without worrying about work.

今日は無理をせず、遠慮なくお休みください。

Often Confused With

遠慮なく vs 自由に (jiyu ni)

Confused because both mean 'freely'. Jiyu ni is about choice; Enryo naku is about social comfort.

遠慮なく vs 勝手に (katte ni)

Confused because both involve doing something as one pleases. Katte ni is negative/selfish; Enryo naku is positive/invited.

遠慮なく vs 図々しく (zuzuushiku)

Confused because both involve a lack of reserve. Zuzuushiku is 'impudent/shameless'; Enryo naku is 'without hesitation (as invited)'.

Idioms & Expressions

"遠慮なく筆を振るう"

— To write with great energy and without holding back one's thoughts.

彼はそのエッセイで遠慮なく筆を振るった。

Literary

"遠慮なく毒を吐く"

— To speak very harshly or cynically without any restraint.

彼女は時々、遠慮なく毒を吐くことがある。

Slang/Informal

"遠慮なく懐に飛び込む"

— To boldly and without hesitation get close to someone, often a superior.

彼は上司の懐に遠慮なく飛び込むのが上手だ。

Idiomatic

"遠慮なく牙を剥く"

— To show hostility or aggression without any reservation.

競争相手に対して遠慮なく牙を剥く。

Metaphorical

"遠慮なくメスを入れる"

— To perform a drastic reform or tackle a difficult problem directly.

新社長は組織の腐敗に遠慮なくメスを入れた。

Journalistic

"遠慮なく泥を塗る"

— To humiliate or disgrace someone without any second thoughts.

身内の顔に遠慮なく泥を塗るような真似はするな。

Idiomatic

"遠慮なく火に油を注ぐ"

— To make a bad situation worse without any hesitation.

彼は議論の最中に遠慮なく火に油を注ぐ発言をした。

Idiomatic

"遠慮なく釘を刺す"

— To give a firm warning or reminder to prevent future mistakes.

遅刻しないように、彼に遠慮なく釘を刺しておいた。

Idiomatic

"遠慮なく太鼓判を押す"

— To give a full and enthusiastic guarantee or endorsement.

この商品の品質には遠慮なく太鼓判を押せます。

Idiomatic

"遠慮なく匙を投げる"

— To give up on a situation or person completely without hesitation.

あまりの態度の悪さに、教師も遠慮なく匙を投げた。

Idiomatic

Easily Confused

遠慮なく vs 気兼ねなく

They have almost identical meanings in many contexts.

Enryo naku focuses on the action of not holding back. Kigane naku focuses on the feeling of not worrying about others' presence.

一人暮らしだから、気兼ねなく（遠慮なく）歌える。

遠慮なく vs お気軽に

Both are used to invite people to do something.

Enryo naku removes a social barrier. Okigaru ni suggests the action is easy, low-pressure, or doesn't require preparation.

お気軽に（×遠慮なく）お立ち寄りください。

遠慮なく vs 存分に

Both encourage full participation.

Enryo naku is about starting/doing the action. Zonbun ni is about the intensity or enjoyment of the action once started.

休暇を存分に（×遠慮なく）楽しんでください。

遠慮なく vs 率直に

Both can mean 'frankly'.

Enryo naku is more conversational and about the social dynamic. Sotchoku ni is more about the quality of the information being 'straightforward'.

率直な（×遠慮ない）意見を聞かせてください。

遠慮なく vs 心置きなく

Both mean doing something without worry.

Enryo naku is often used when an offer is made. Kokoro-oki naku is used when all potential problems or distractions have been cleared away.

仕事が終わったので、心置きなく（遠慮なく）飲める。

Sentence Patterns

遠慮なく + [Verb-te] + ください

遠慮なく食べてください。

[Condition] + 遠慮なく + [Verb-te] + ください

わからなければ、遠慮なく聞いてください。

遠慮なく + [Verb-plain] + [Sentence Ender]

遠慮なく言ってね。

遠慮なく + [Verb-causative-te] + いただきます

遠慮なく使わせていただきます。

ご遠慮なく + [Verb-honorific-stem] + ください

ご遠慮なくお召し上がりください。

遠慮なく + [Verb-plain] + ことができる

遠慮なく意見を言うことができる。

遠慮なく + [Verb-humble-stem] + ますと

遠慮なく申し上げますと、不可能です。

遠慮なく + [Literary Verb Phrase]

遠慮なく筆を振るう。

Word Family

Nouns

遠慮 (enryo) - restraint, reserve, hesitation

Verbs

遠慮する (enryo suru) - to hold back, to refrain, to decline

Adjectives

遠慮深い (enryobukai) - very reserved, modest, shy

気兼ね (kigane) - feeling constraint

辞退 (jitai) - formal refusal

謙遜 (kenson) - humility

内気 (uchiki) - shyness

厚かましい (atsukamashii) - impudent/brazen (the opposite of enryo)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in Japanese daily life and business.

Common Mistakes

Using 'enryo naku' to describe your own rude behavior. → Use it when invited, or to describe being direct for a good reason.
If you say 'I ate your cake enryo naku' without being invited, it sounds like you are proud of being rude.
Confusing it with 'jiyu ni' (freely). → Use 'enryo naku' for social situations, 'jiyu ni' for choices/methods.
Saying 'enryo naku' when you mean 'choose any color' sounds slightly off.
Using the plain form with a superior. → Use 'ご遠慮なく...ください'.
Saying 'enryo naku itte' to your boss is too casual and could be seen as disrespectful.
Thinking it means 'without thinking'. → It means 'without restraint'.
You should still think before you act; you just shouldn't let social anxiety stop you from acting.
Forgetting the 'naku' and just saying 'enryo'. → 遠慮なく (Enryo naku).
'Enryo' by itself means 'restraint'. You need 'naku' to mean 'without'.

Tips

At the Dining Table

If you are the last person to take a piece of food, say '遠慮なくいただきます' to show you aren't being greedy, but rather accepting the group's unspoken permission.

In Meetings

If a meeting is too quiet, a leader saying '遠慮なく意見を言ってください' is a cue for you to speak up. It is often a genuine request for honesty.

The Refusal Rule

In Japan, you often refuse an offer once or twice. Once the host says '遠慮なく', it is your signal to stop refusing and accept gracefully.

Adverbial Placement

Place '遠慮なく' directly before the verb it modifies. This makes your sentence clear and natural.

Breaking the Ice

Use this phrase to 'break the ice' with Japanese people. It shows you understand their culture and want to create a friendly, open atmosphere.

Closing Phrases

Ending an email with 'ご遠慮なくご連絡ください' is a very standard and professional way to invite further communication.

Tone of Voice

Say it with a warm, inviting tone. If said too harshly, it can sound like a command rather than an invitation.

Building Trust

By telling someone '遠慮なく相談して', you are showing that you are a trustworthy and supportive friend.

Kanji Recognition

Focus on recognizing the '慮' (ryo) part, as it's the most complex. It helps you distinguish 'enryo' from other 'en' words like 'enpitsu' (pencil).

Formal Variations

Memorize 'ご遠慮なくお申し付けください' as a single block for business situations. It is a 'power phrase' for professional Japanese.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine you are at a party with 'EN'less (endless) 'RYO' (rows) of sushi. The host says 'naku' (knock) down the wall of shyness and eat!

Visual Association

Visualize a 'No Entry' sign for 'Enryo'. When you add 'naku' (without), the sign disappears, and you can walk right in.

Word Web

Social Harmony Politeness Hospitality Sincerity Permission Freedom Directness Honesty

Challenge

Try to use '遠慮なく' three times today: once when offering something, once when accepting something, and once when asking a question.

Word Origin

The word comes from the Chinese characters 遠 (en - far) and 慮 (ryo - thought/consideration). Originally, it referred to thinking deeply about the distant future to avoid trouble.

Original meaning: Far-sightedness or long-term planning. In the Confucian context, it meant considering the consequences of one's actions on others in the future.

Sino-Japanese (Kango). It was imported from Chinese into Japanese and its meaning evolved over centuries.

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use it in a way that sounds like you are commanding someone to be rude. It should always sound like an invitation for their comfort.

In English, we say 'Feel free' or 'Don't be shy'. These are close, but 'enryo naku' carries a stronger sense of 'I am officially releasing you from the rules of Japanese politeness'.

Used frequently in Japanese 'Omotenashi' (hospitality) advertisements for luxury hotels. A common phrase in Shonen Manga when a mentor encourages a protagonist to show their full power. Often used in 'Keigo' textbooks as a primary example of how to make requests polite yet welcoming.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Friend's House

遠慮なくくつろいでね。
遠慮なく冷蔵庫開けていいよ。
遠慮なくテレビ見てて。
遠慮なく泊まっていって。

In a Business Meeting

遠慮なくご意見をどうぞ。
遠慮なく質問してください。
遠慮なく修正を依頼してください。
遠慮なく本音で話しましょう。

At a Restaurant/Party

遠慮なくおかわりしてください。
遠慮なく取ってください。
遠慮なく好きなものを注文して。
遠慮なく全部食べていいよ。

Customer Service

ご遠慮なくお申し付けください。
遠慮なく試着してください。
遠慮なく返品してください。
ご遠慮なくお問い合わせください。

Study/Learning

遠慮なく聞いてください。
遠慮なく間違いを指摘して。
遠慮なく何度も練習しましょう。
遠慮なく辞書を使ってください。

Conversation Starters

"「遠慮なく」と言われたとき、あなたならどう反応しますか？"

"日本で「遠慮」しすぎて困った経験はありますか？"

"あなたの国では、日本のような「遠慮」の文化がありますか？"

"「遠慮なく」と言われて、本当に遠慮しなかったことはありますか？"

"ビジネスで「遠慮なく」意見を言うのは難しいと思いますか？"

Journal Prompts

今日、誰かに「遠慮なく」と言った、あるいは言われた場面を思い出して書いてください。

もしあなたが日本のホストなら、ゲストにどのように「遠慮なく」過ごしてほしいですか？

「遠慮」という言葉のポジティブな面とネガティブな面について、自分の考えを書いてください。

自分が一番「遠慮なく」振る舞える場所や人は誰ですか？その理由も書いてください。

「遠慮なく言わせてもらうと」というフレーズを使って、最近のニュースについて意見を書いてください。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Generally, no, because it is usually used to INVITE someone to be free. However, if you use it to describe your own actions in a way that ignores others' rights (e.g., 'I will take your seat without hesitation'), it can sound arrogant. It is best used for hospitality or when explicitly invited.

Yes, but use the polite form. If your boss offers you something, you can say 'では、遠慮なくいただきます'. If you are inviting your boss to do something, use 'ご遠慮なく...ください'. However, be careful not to sound like you are giving orders.

'Enryo naku' is an adverb used to modify a verb (e.g., eat without hesitation). 'Enryo shinaide' is a negative command (e.g., don't hold back). They are often interchangeable, but 'enryo naku' sounds slightly more formal and sophisticated.

No. Even when told 'enryo naku', you should still respect basic Japanese etiquette. It specifically means you don't have to do the 'refusal dance' multiple times before accepting an offer.

The most common response is 'ありがとうございます。では、遠慮なく...させていただきます' (Thank you. Then, I will ... without hesitation). This shows you appreciate their kindness and are accepting their offer.

Yes, it is '無く', but in this specific phrase '遠慮なく', it is almost always written in Hiragana as 'なく'.

Yes, very frequently. You will see it in business emails, invitations, and instructional manuals to encourage the reader to take action.

Yes, '遠慮なく言わせてもらうと' is a common way to start a frank conversation. It's similar to 'To be honest' or 'If I may be blunt'.

Usually, yes, as it shows consideration for others. However, 'enryo' can also be seen as a lack of confidence or a barrier to true friendship, which is why 'enryo naku' is such an important phrase for building closer bonds.

The opposite would be 'enryo shite' (with restraint) or 'hikaeme ni' (modestly). If someone is being rude because they lack restraint, you might say they are 'mu-enryo' (without restraint - negative) or 'zuzuushii' (brazen).