Translation guide
The English word "curb" has two main meanings: a physical edge of a sidewalk (noun) and the act of restraining or controlling something (verb). This guide covers both, with natural Japanese equivalents for each.
The raised edge of a sidewalk, road, or path.
The standard term for a curbstone, used in both everyday and technical contexts.
To limit, hold back, or keep something under control.
The English word 'curb' is sometimes misspelled or misheard as 'curve'. In Japanese, 'curve' is カーブ (kābu), while 'curb' as a noun is 縁石 (enseki).
抑える (osaeru) is the most general and can be used for emotions, impulses, and physical restraint. 抑制する (yokusei suru) is more formal and often used in technical or policy contexts. 控える (hikaeru) implies voluntary self-restraint, often for personal habits.
車が縁石に乗り上げた。
The car ran up onto the curb.
縁石に座って待っていた。
I was sitting on the curb waiting.
Literally "edge of the sidewalk," a more descriptive phrase used in casual conversation.
歩道の縁に気をつけて。
Watch out for the curb.
Refers to a wheel stop or curb-like barrier in parking lots, not exactly a sidewalk curb.
駐車場の車止めにぶつかった。
I hit the curb in the parking lot.
A versatile verb meaning to suppress, restrain, or keep in check. Used for emotions, impulses, spending, etc.
怒りを抑えるのが難しかった。
It was hard to curb my anger.
支出を抑える必要がある。
We need to curb spending.
A more formal term for suppression or control, often used in policy, economics, or medical contexts.
政府はインフレを抑制しようとしている。
The government is trying to curb inflation.
To refrain from, hold back, or moderate one's actions. Common for personal habits like eating, drinking, or speaking.
甘いものを控えています。
I'm curbing my intake of sweets.
発言を控えたほうがいい。
You should curb your remarks.
To restrict or place limits on something, often used for rules, regulations, or quantities.
新しい法律が広告を制限する。
The new law curbs advertising.
Literally "to apply a brake," meaning to put a stop to or curb a negative trend or behavior.
不正に歯止めをかけなければならない。
We must curb the corruption.