Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Restriction" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "restriction", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
拘束
こうそく (kousoku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
制約
せいやく (seiyaku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "restriction" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 拘束 and 制約.
In Japanese, 拘束 (こうそく (kousoku)) is typically associated with "restriction, restraint, binding, detention" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Can refer to physical restraint.
On the other hand, 制約 (せいやく (seiyaku)) maps to "restriction; limitation; constraint" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to conditions or rules that limit freedom of action or scope, often in a formal or technical context.. A literal translation of "restriction" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "拘束"
彼は事件に関与したとして警察に拘束された。
He was detained by the police for his involvement in the incident.
Bilingual Context for "制約"
予算の制約があるため、計画を大幅に変更する必要がある。
Due to budget constraints, we need to significantly change the plan.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は事件に関与したとして警察に ＿＿＿ された。" (Meaning: "He was detained by the police for his involvement in the incident.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "拘束" fits here because it means "restriction, restraint, binding, detention" in the context of: "He was detained by the police for his involvement in the incident.". "制約" represents "restriction; limitation; constraint".