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.
The car ran up onto the curb.
I was sitting on the curb waiting.
Literally "edge of the sidewalk," a more descriptive phrase used in casual conversation.
Watch out for the curb.
Refers to a wheel stop or curb-like barrier in parking lots, not exactly a sidewalk curb.
I hit the curb in the parking lot.
To limit, hold back, or keep something under control.
A versatile verb meaning to suppress, restrain, or keep in check. Used for emotions, impulses, spending, etc.
It was hard to curb my anger.
A more formal term for suppression or control, often used in policy, economics, or medical contexts.
To refrain from, hold back, or moderate one's actions. Common for personal habits like eating, drinking, or speaking.
To restrict or place limits on something, often used for rules, regulations, or quantities.
Literally "to apply a brake," meaning to put a stop to or curb a negative trend or behavior.
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.
We need to curb spending.
The government is trying to curb inflation.
甘いものを控えています。
I'm curbing my intake of sweets.
You should curb your remarks.
The new law curbs advertising.
We must curb the corruption.