Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Hold" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "hold", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
遠慮する
えんりょする (enryo suru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
抱く
だく (daku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "hold" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 遠慮する and 抱く.
In Japanese, 遠慮する (えんりょする (enryo suru)) is typically associated with "to hold back, to refrain from, to be reserved, to decline" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents To hesitate or hold back due to modesty, consideration for others, or politeness. Can mean to gently decline an offer or to be reserved. Often used in phrases like「遠慮なくどうぞ」.
On the other hand, 抱く (だく (daku)) maps to "to hold, to embrace, to hug" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used for physically holding someone or something close, like a child or a pet. Can also mean to have feelings/thoughts. A literal translation of "hold" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "遠慮する"
気を使わずに、遠慮しないでください。
Please don't hesitate and make yourself at home.
Bilingual Context for "抱く"
子供を優しく抱いた。
He gently held the child.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "気を使わずに、遠慮しないでください。" (Meaning: "Please don't hesitate and make yourself at home.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "遠慮する" fits here because it means "to hold back, to refrain from, to be reserved, to decline" in the context of: "Please don't hesitate and make yourself at home.". "抱く" represents "to hold, to embrace, to hug".