Translation guide
How to express that someone is forced, limited, or restricted in action, speech, or situation.
The speaker feels they have no choice but to act in a certain way.
Used when one has no choice but to do something, often due to external pressure or unavoidable circumstances. Formal and written, but common in speech for serious situations.
Due to the bad weather, we were constrained to cancel the game.
Expresses that one cannot avoid doing something because of social obligation or moral duty. Softer than ～ざるを得ない.
Since my boss asked me, I'm constrained to do it.
Indicates there is no other option but to do something. More casual and direct.
There's no bus, so we're constrained to walk.
Physical or situational limitations prevent free action.
Means to be physically restrained or confined. Often used in legal or formal contexts.
The suspect was constrained by the police.
Means to be limited or restricted, often by rules or conditions. Broader than physical restraint.
Literally 'to be tied/bound', used figuratively for being constrained by rules, traditions, or expectations.
We are constrained by old customs.
Feeling unable to speak or act freely due to social pressure or self-restraint.
To hold back out of politeness or consideration for others. Common in social situations.
Since it was my first meeting, I felt constrained to hold back my comments.
To feel constrained or hesitant because of worrying about others' feelings or reactions.
To shrink back or feel intimidated, leading to constrained behavior. More psychological.
I felt constrained and shrank back in front of my strict boss.
Limited by practical factors like time, money, or materials.
～ざるを得ない emphasizes unavoidable circumstances, often negative. ～ないわけにはいかない emphasizes social or moral obligation. The former is more formal and written; the latter is softer and used in speech.
We were constrained to cancel the game due to rain.
Since it's a request from someone who helped me, I'm constrained not to refuse.
Direct translations like '制約された' are often unnatural in Japanese. Use the patterns and words above depending on the type of constraint (obligation, restriction, social pressure, etc.).
Our activities are constrained by the small budget.
I feel constrained around him and can't speak my mind.