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
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 差し控える and 控える.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "控える" represents "to refrain from; to hold back; to be in waiting; to make notes".