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控える
hikaeru
refrain from
タバコを控えるようにしています。
I try to refrain from smoking.
formal
to refrain from doing something; to abstain from; to hold back
食べ過ぎを控えましょう。
Let's refrain from eating too much.
彼は発言を控えた。
He refrained from making a comment.
Often used in health, diet, or social contexts to indicate moderation or avoidance.
formal
to keep oneself in check; to restrain oneself
感情を控えるべきだ。
You should restrain your emotions.
Used when moderating one's behavior or reactions.
formal
to be reserved or restrained in speech or action
彼女は控えめな態度を取った。
She adopted a reserved attitude.
Often describes someone who is modest or unassuming.
formal
to keep a record or make a note of something
予定を控える
to keep a note of one's schedule
Less common but still used in formal or administrative contexts.
formal
to wait or stay in reserve (e.g., for backup or support)
控えの選手
a reserve player
Used in sports or organizational contexts.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Polite Requests with 控える
Use 控えてください (hikaete kudasai) to politely ask someone to refrain from an action. For example: '大声で話さないでください' (Please don't speak loudly) can be softened to '大声で話すのを控えてください' (Please refrain from speaking loudly).
Gold Rule
When to Use 控える
Use 控える when you want to emphasize self-restraint or moderation. It is not used for external restrictions (e.g., '禁止する' for prohibitions).
Word Origin
From the verb 控 (hikae, 'to restrain, hold back') + える (auxiliary verb indicating potential or ability). The kanji 控 originally meant 'to pull back' or 'to restrain,' and the verb form 控える evolved to mean 'to refrain from' or 'to keep in check.'
Usage Notes
控える is a versatile verb often used in formal or polite contexts. It implies a conscious effort to avoid or limit something, whether it's actions, speech, or habits. In polite speech, it can soften requests or suggestions (e.g., '控えていただけますか' = 'Could you refrain from...?').
Word Breakdown
控
to restrain; to hold back
rootえる
indicates potential or ability (auxiliary verb)
suffix和英辞典