Difference between 気軽 and 気楽


I would like to say

> Please feel free to contact me.

I know it is probably

> **気軽に** 連絡してください。

But will it be wrong to use 気楽に in this case?

> **気楽に** 連絡してください。

What is the difference in nuance between 気軽 and 気楽?




> 「気軽{きがる}に連絡{れんらく}してください。」

is just a natural, everyday phrase that "everyone" uses very often. I do not
think anyone would argue about that.

Today, when I saw the following sentence in your question,

> 「気楽{きらく}に連絡してください。」

I had to stop and think about it, which is more often than not a bad sign.
Would I ever say it? No, I would not;That I know for sure. Would anyone I
personally know say it? No, I do not think so and that is why I had to stop
and really think. So, would **_anyone_** ever say it? I suppose, yes, (even
though I know I will not follow suit.)

While I might not call the second sentence using 「気楽」 "incorrect", I will at
least call it "pretty strange".

> 「 **気軽** に + Verb describing a **specific action** 」

is a common and valid usage expressing the idea of **_performing a specific
action without hesitation, formality, pressure, etc_**. 「連絡する (to contact a
person)」 is a specific action requiring making a phone call, writing an e-mail
or letter, etc.

**Many of us would, however, not often express these ideas using 「気楽に」. When
we use 「気楽に」, we usually refer to "spending time or living with a relaxed
state of mind, easy manners", etc. These are not specific actions.**

"Make yourself at home.", "Take it easy.", "Sit back and relax.", etc. are the
ideas behind the expressions such as 「気楽にする」、「気楽に過{す}ごす」、「気楽に生{い}きる」, etc.
Again, these are different from performing specific actions.




> 「気軽{きがる}に連絡{れんらく}してください。」

is just a natural, everyday phrase that "everyone" uses very often. I do not
think anyone would argue about that.

Today, when I saw the following sentence in your question,

> 「気楽{きらく}に連絡してください。」

I had to stop and think about it, which is more often than not a bad sign.
Would I ever say it? No, I would not;That I know for sure. Would anyone I
personally know say it? No, I do not think so and that is why I had to stop
and really think. So, would **_anyone_** ever say it? I suppose, yes, (even
though I know I will not follow suit.)

While I might not call the second sentence using 「気楽」 "incorrect", I will at
least call it "pretty strange".

> 「 **気軽** に + Verb describing a **specific action** 」

is a common and valid usage expressing the idea of **_performing a specific
action without hesitation, formality, pressure, etc_**. 「連絡する (to contact a
person)」 is a specific action requiring making a phone call, writing an e-mail
or letter, etc.

**Many of us would, however, not often express these ideas using 「気楽に」. When
we use 「気楽に」, we usually refer to "spending time or living with a relaxed
state of mind, easy manners", etc. These are not specific actions.**

"Make yourself at home.", "Take it easy.", "Sit back and relax.", etc. are the
ideas behind the expressions such as 「気楽にする」、「気楽に過{す}ごす」、「気楽に生{い}きる」, etc.
Again, these are different from performing specific actions.

