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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The teacher struggled to bring the class 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.
She couldn't bring her tears under control.
Means to exercise self-control or restraint. Often used in formal or psychological contexts.
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.
to suppress a fire (keep it from spreading)
to bring a disturbance under control (settle it)
to control a robot
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.
Literally 'to press down', used figuratively for suppressing or keeping people under strict control, sometimes with a negative connotation of oppression.
The government tried to bring the opposition under control.
He is good at bringing difficult subordinates under control.
He was told to bring his anger 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.