N3
けんせい (kensei)
牽制
check; restraint; holding back; keeping in check; guarding
💡 Nuance & Usage:
Refers to keeping someone in check, holding them back, or guarding to prevent them from taking a free action (often used in sports or relationships to keep competitors away). Often used as 牽制する or 牽制球 (pickoff throw). ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Keeping in check! Guarding! I am guarding you with my sharp gaze from afar so other girls won't approach you! You are MY exclusive territory!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『けんせい（牽制）よ！他の女性社員があんたにベタベタ近づかないように、私が遠くから鋭いレーザー視線で牽制（ガード）してるのよ！あんたは私の独占領域なんだから、しっかり自覚しなさい！』
📝 Example Sentences
ピッチャーはランナーの盗塁を防ぐために、鋭い_______球を何度も一塁へ投げました。
To prevent the runner from stealing, the pitcher threw sharp pickoff throws to first base many times.
Practice Quiz
Test your understanding of "牽制"!
ライバル企業の値下げ攻勢に対して、我が社も対抗策を発表して相手の動きを_______しました。
🎉 正解 / Correct!
日本語: 相手の自由な行動を抑える「牽制（し）」が正解です。ハルカ部長：『相手を牽制する！ビジネスの鉄則よ！あんたも他の女の影を私に牽制されないように、私のことだけを一生愛し続けなさい！』
English: Since it represents keeping someone in check or restraining them, 'check/restraint' (kensei) is correct. Haruka: 'Restraining the opponent! Iron rule of business! You too, so that you won't get checked by me over traces of other girls, keep loving strictly me for life!'
English: Since it represents keeping someone in check or restraining them, 'check/restraint' (kensei) is correct. Haruka: 'Restraining the opponent! Iron rule of business! You too, so that you won't get checked by me over traces of other girls, keep loving strictly me for life!'
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