Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Refrain" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "refrain", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
ひかえる
ひかえる (hikaeru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
控える
ひかえる (hikaeru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "refrain" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between ひかえる and 控える.
In Japanese, ひかえる (ひかえる (hikaeru)) is typically associated with "1. to refrain from; to abstain from 2. to be in waiting; to be ready 3. to take notes; to make a memo 4. to be behind; to be next to" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents This word has several distinct meanings. For N2, the primary meanings are "to refrain from".
On the other hand, 控える (ひかえる (hikaeru)) maps to "to refrain from; to hold back; to be in waiting; to make notes" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 主に「自制する、遠慮する」という意味と、「待機する、準備する」という意味で使われます。また、「メモを取る」という用法もあります。. A literal translation of "refrain" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "ひかえる"
健康のため、甘い物をひかえる。
To refrain from eating too many sweets for health.
Bilingual Context for "控える"
健康のために、夜食を控えるようにしている。
For my health, I'm trying to refrain from eating late-night snacks.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "健康のため、甘い物を ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "To refrain from eating too many sweets for health.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "ひかえる" fits here because it means "1. to refrain from; to abstain from 2. to be in waiting; to be ready 3. to take notes; to make a memo 4. to be behind; to be next to" in the context of: "To refrain from eating too many sweets for health.". "控える" represents "to refrain from; to hold back; to be in waiting; to make notes".