Synonym Comparison
The Nuance Difference: "差し控える" vs "賄う"
Master the exact conceptual boundary between these Japanese terms.
Japanese Term A
差し控える
さしひかえる (sashihikaeru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Term B
賄う
まかなう (makanau)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
In Japanese, both 差し控える and 賄う are often translated to English but have distinct usages.
差し控える (さしひかえる (sashihikaeru)) represents "to refrain from; to hold back from; to abstain from" (Level: N2) and typically represents A formal expression meaning to voluntarily hold back from doing or saying something, often out of politeness, prudence, or a sense of duty. More formal than '控える'..
On the other hand, 賄う (まかなう (makanau)) translates to "to provide (meals); to cover (expenses); to supply" (Level: N2) and is used for Often used in contexts of providing food or funds for a group, or covering costs for something. It implies managing and providing necessities.. Mixing these up can sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers!
Bilingual Sentence for "差し控える"
個人的な質問にはお答えを差し控えさせていただきます。
I must refrain from answering personal questions.
Bilingual Sentence for "賄う"
社員食堂が従業員の昼食を賄っている。
The company cafeteria provides lunch for the employees.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "個人的な質問にはお答えを差し控えさせていただきます。" (Meaning: "I must refrain from answering personal questions.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "差し控える" fits here because it represents "to refrain from; to hold back from; to abstain from" in the context: "I must refrain from answering personal questions.".