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.
The standard term for abstaining from voting. Used in formal contexts like elections or meetings.
He abstained from voting.
There were many abstentions.
A common verb phrase meaning 'to abstain from voting'.
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.
I cast a blank ballot as a protest.
Choosing not to take part in an activity or event.
General term for non-participation or abstention from an event or activity.
His abstention affected the team.
A polite way to say 'to refrain from participating', often used in formal announcements.
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.
He abstained from the meeting (was absent).
Choosing not to do something, often for moral or practical reasons.
Self-restraint; abstaining from something like drinking, eating, or impulsive behavior.
He is abstaining from alcohol.
To refrain from doing something; to hold back. Very common in everyday speech.
Moderation or temperance, especially regarding food, drink, or lifestyle.
Abstinence, often with a connotation of asceticism or giving up pleasures.
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.
甘いものは控えています。
I'm abstaining from sweets.
Please refrain from speaking.
健康のために節制している。
I'm practicing abstention for my health.
彼は禁欲生活を送っている。
He leads a life of abstention.