How to say "freestyle" in Japanese

• 自由形じゆうがたCommon
  nounCovers the swimming sense: the freestyle event in competitive swimming. This is the word you want when talking about a race or stroke, as in choosing an event at a swim meet.
• フリースタイルCommon
  nounThe loanword, used for freestyle in contexts outside swimming, such as rap, skiing, or other sports and activities. If you mean freestyle as a free-form style rather than the swimming event, this is the natural choice.

Use 自由形 for the swimming event called freestyle; use 「フリースタイル」 for other freestyle activities such as music or sports styles borrowed from English usage.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 自由形じゆうがたfreestyle (e.g. swimming event)
• フリースタイルfreestyle