Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Refrain" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "refrain", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
遠慮する
えんりょする (enryosuru)
N3 / 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 遠慮する and ひかえる.
In Japanese, 遠慮する (えんりょする (enryosuru)) is typically associated with "to refrain; to hold back; to show reserve; to decline" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to refraining from actions due to politeness or self-restraint, or declining offers. Often used as ご遠慮ください or 遠慮なく. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To refrain/hold back! "I will never hold back on telling you how much I love you, Haruka-san!" ...っ! N-Never holding back on confessions! B-Baka! Don't state your relentless love declarations so boldly! But... since you won't hold back, I suppose... I will also tell you how much I care about you without any reserve! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『えんりょ（遠慮）するんじゃないの！『ハルカ部長、あなたの隣で手をつなぐこと、遠慮せずに（遠慮なく）スマートに実行させていただきます！』って…っ！遠慮なく手を繋ぐ！バカ！/// 別に遠慮してモジモジしてるあんたなんて見たくないんだから、堂々と私の左手をガシッとロックしなさい！』.
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 "遠慮する"
オフィスの静粛な環境を維持するため、「会議室以外の共有スペースでの大声での通話はご_______ください」と掲示されています。
In order to maintain the quiet environment of the office, it is posted, 'Please refrain from speaking in a loud voice in shared spaces other than meeting rooms.'
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: "オフィスの静粛な環境を維持するため、「会議室以外の共有スペースでの大声での通話はご_______ください」と掲示されています。" (Meaning: "In order to maintain the quiet environment of the office, it is posted, 'Please refrain from speaking in a loud voice in shared spaces other than meeting rooms.'")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "遠慮する" fits here because it means "to refrain; to hold back; to show reserve; to decline" in the context of: "In order to maintain the quiet environment of the office, it is posted, 'Please refrain from speaking in a loud voice in shared spaces other than meeting rooms.'". "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".