Translation guide
This entry covers how to express the idea of bringing something under control in Japanese, including gaining control over situations, emotions, or people.
To express bringing a situation, object, or system under control, such as a fire, a crisis, or a machine.
A general term for controlling or regulating something, often used for machines, systems, or abstract things like emotions.
彼はその機械を制御するのに苦労した。
He struggled to bring the machine under control.
Means to suppress, hold back, or keep something under control. Commonly used for emotions, urges, or physical forces.
怒りを抑えるのが難しかった。
It was difficult to bring my anger under control.
Often used for bringing a situation to a close or settling something, like a conflict or disturbance. Implies restoring order.
警察は暴動を収めるのに時間がかかった。
The police took time to bring the riot under control.
Means to grasp or seize control, often used in formal contexts like taking command of a situation or organization.
新社長は会社を掌握するのに必死だ。
The new president is desperate to bring the company under control.
To express bringing people, such as a crowd, children, or subordinates, under control.
Used for regulating or controlling groups, organizations, or public behavior, often with authority.
教師はクラスを統制するのに苦労した。
The teacher struggled to bring the class under control.
Literally 'to press down', used figuratively for suppressing or keeping people under strict control, sometimes with a negative connotation of oppression.
政府は反対派を抑えつけようとした。
The government tried to bring the opposition under control.
Means to tame or bring someone under one's control, often through persuasion or skill. Used for difficult people or animals.
To express bringing one's own emotions, impulses, or behavior under control.
The most common way to say 'suppress' or 'control' emotions. See also the first meaning.
彼女は涙を抑えることができなかった。
She couldn't bring her tears under control.
Means to exercise self-control or restraint. Often used in formal or psychological contexts.
彼は怒りを自制するように言われた。
He was told to bring his anger under control.
Means to endure or hold back something like tears, laughter, or pain. Often used in spoken Japanese.
抑える (osaeru) is for suppressing something actively, like emotions or a physical force. 収める (osameru) is for settling a situation or restoring order. 制御する (seigyo suru) is for controlling a system or machine, often technical.
The English phrase 'bring under control' does not have a single direct equivalent. Avoid literal translations like コントロールの下に持ってくる. Instead, use the appropriate verb based on context.
彼は扱いにくい部下を手なずけるのが上手だ。
He is good at bringing difficult subordinates under control.
笑いをこらえるのに必死だった。
I was desperate to bring my laughter under control.