Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Refrain" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "refrain", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
差し控える
さしひかえる (sashihikaeru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
ひかえる
ひかえる (hikaeru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "refrain" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 差し控える and ひかえる.
In Japanese, 差し控える (さしひかえる (sashihikaeru)) is typically associated with "to refrain from; to hold back from; to abstain from" (Syllabus Level: N2) and 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, ひかえる (ひかえる (hikaeru)) maps to "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". A literal translation of "refrain" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context 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 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.
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 means "to refrain from; to hold back from; to abstain from" in the context of: "I must refrain from answering personal questions.". "ひかえる" represents "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".