Translation guide
The concept of forbearance — patient self-control, restraint, and tolerance in the face of provocation — is expressed through several Japanese words and phrases, each with different nuances and contexts.
The act of patiently holding back one's emotions or impulses, especially when provoked.
The most common word for enduring something unpleasant with patience and self-restraint. Often used in daily life for putting up with discomfort, annoyance, or hardship.
He restrained his anger.
Please be patient a little longer.
Emphasizes enduring hardship with patience and perseverance, often over a longer period. More about bearing suffering stoically.
Wait patiently (with endurance).
Self-control or self-restraint, often in a moral or disciplined sense. Used for controlling one's desires or impulses.
It is important to have self-control.
Showing patience and forgiveness toward others' faults or offenses, refraining from harsh judgment or punishment.
Tolerance, leniency, or magnanimity. Often used for accepting others' differences or forgiving mistakes.
He is tolerant of others' mistakes.
Pardon, mercy, or forbearance in the sense of not being harsh. Often used in negative form (容赦なく) to mean 'mercilessly'.
Forgiveness, pardon, or forbearance, often in the sense of letting someone off the hook. Commonly used in requests for forgiveness.
The act of refraining from enforcing a right, such as a creditor not collecting a debt immediately.
A philosophical or spiritual attitude of calmly enduring hardship without complaint.
我慢 (がまん) is everyday patience for minor annoyances. 辛抱 (しんぼう) implies bearing hardship over time with determination. 忍耐 (にんたい) is more formal and philosophical, emphasizing stoic endurance.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all senses of 'forbearance'. Choose the word based on context: self-restraint (我慢), tolerance (寛容), financial grace (猶予), or stoic endurance (忍耐).
Please forgive me / Please be lenient.
今回は勘弁してあげる。
I'll let you off this time.
The sentence was suspended (probation).
He succeeded after enduring great hardship.