Translation guide
The English word 'confined' can refer to being restricted to a space, limited in scope, or kept in a specific place. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these meanings, from physical confinement to abstract limitations.
Expressing that someone or something is kept within a limited area, often against their will or due to circumstances.
The most common way to say someone or something is confined or locked in. It implies being shut in a room, cage, etc.
彼は部屋に閉じ込められた。
He was confined to his room.
The dog is confined in a cage.
Specifically means confined as in imprisoned or held captive. Stronger nuance than 閉じ込められた.
彼女は監禁された状態で見つかった。
She was found in a confined state (imprisoned).
Describes voluntarily staying inside and not going out, like being holed up or confined by choice.
彼は一日中部屋に閉じこもっている。
He's been confined to his room all day (by choice).
Literary or historical term for being confined, often in a remote place or under house arrest.
彼は城に幽閉された。
He was confined in the castle.
Describing something that is restricted to a narrow area, topic, or set of conditions.
Means limited or restricted. Used for confined spaces, resources, or opportunities.
この問題は限られた範囲にしか影響しない。
This problem is confined to a limited scope.
彼の知識は限られた分野にしか及ばない。
His knowledge is confined to a narrow field.
Pattern meaning 'is limited/confined to ~'. Used in formal or technical contexts.
このサービスは会員に限定されている。
This service is confined to members.
Literally 'narrow', often used for confined physical spaces.
Used when someone is confined to bed, a wheelchair, or an institution due to health or other reasons.
Means 'bedridden' or confined to bed. Common in medical contexts.
祖父は病院で寝たきりだ。
My grandfather is confined to bed in the hospital.
Can also be used for being confined to a place due to illness, though it often implies voluntary seclusion.
彼女は病気で家に閉じこもっている。
She is confined to the house due to illness.
Formal term for being restrained or confined, often in legal or institutional settings.
患者はベッドに拘束されていた。
The patient was confined to the bed (with restraints).
English 'confined' is often used in set phrases like 'confined to bed' or 'confined space'. Direct translation word-for-word rarely works. Use the specific Japanese expressions above depending on the context.
閉じ込められた (tojikomerareta) is general for being shut in. 監禁された (kankinsareta) specifically implies illegal imprisonment or kidnapping. Use 監禁 carefully.
彼は罰として部屋に閉じ込められた。
He was confined to his room as punishment.
議論は本題に限定された。
The discussion was confined to the main topic.
This room is very confined.