Translation guide
The act of choosing not to do something, especially not voting or not participating in a decision.
Choosing not to cast a vote in an election or formal decision.
Choosing not to take part in an activity or event.
Choosing not to do something, often for moral or practical reasons.
Self-restraint; abstaining from something like drinking, eating, or impulsive behavior.
棄権 is specifically for voting or formal decisions. 不参加 is for general non-participation in events or activities.
The English word 'abstention' is not commonly used in casual conversation. In Japanese, the concept is usually expressed with specific verbs like 控える or nouns like 棄権 depending on context.
He abstained from voting.
棄権者が多かった。
There were many abstentions.
A common verb phrase meaning 'to abstain from voting'.
私はその議題について投票を棄権します。
I will abstain from voting on that issue.
Literally 'cast a blank ballot'. Used when someone submits a blank vote as a form of abstention or protest.
抗議の意味を込めて白票を投じた。
I cast a blank ballot as a protest.
General term for non-participation or abstention from an event or activity.
彼の不参加がチームに影響した。
His abstention affected the team.
A polite way to say 'to refrain from participating', often used in formal announcements.
今回は参加を見合わせます。
I will abstain from participating this time.
To be absent from a meeting, class, or event. Implies not attending rather than actively choosing to abstain.
彼は会議を欠席した。
He abstained from the meeting (was absent).
彼は飲酒を自制している。
He is abstaining from alcohol.
To refrain from doing something; to hold back. Very common in everyday speech.
甘いものは控えています。
I'm abstaining from sweets.
発言を控えてください。
Please refrain from speaking.
Moderation or temperance, especially regarding food, drink, or lifestyle.
健康のために節制している。
I'm practicing abstention for my health.
Abstinence, often with a connotation of asceticism or giving up pleasures.
彼は禁欲生活を送っている。
He leads a life of abstention.