Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Self imposed" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "self imposed", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
自粛
じしゅく (jishuku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
自縄自縛
じじょうじばく (jijōjibaku)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "self imposed" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 自粛 and 自縄自縛.
In Japanese, 自粛 (じしゅく (jishuku)) is typically associated with "self-imposed restraint; voluntary quarantine/refraining; self-control" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to self-imposed restraint, voluntary refraining from activities.
On the other hand, 自縄自縛 (じじょうじばく (jijōjibaku)) maps to "self-imposed entanglement, tying oneself up with one's own rope, caught in one's own trap" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents A yojijukugo. A literal translation of "self imposed" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "自粛"
未曾有の国難に際し、多くの商業施設は営業を自主的に_______する決断を下しました。
On the occasion of the unprecedented national crisis, many commercial facilities made the decision to voluntarily refrain from business.
Bilingual Context for "自縄自縛"
自分の発言が原因で、彼は自縄自縛に陥ってしまった。
He fell into self-imposed entanglement because of his own remarks.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "未曾有の国難に際し、多くの商業施設は営業を自主的に_______する決断を下しました。" (Meaning: "On the occasion of the unprecedented national crisis, many commercial facilities made the decision to voluntarily refrain from business.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "自粛" fits here because it means "self-imposed restraint; voluntary quarantine/refraining; self-control" in the context of: "On the occasion of the unprecedented national crisis, many commercial facilities made the decision to voluntarily refrain from business.". "自縄自縛" represents "self-imposed entanglement, tying oneself up with one's own rope, caught in one's own trap".