Translation guide
The English idiom "hold one's tongue" means to refrain from speaking, especially when one wants to say something. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various verbs, phrases, and strategies depending on the nuance—whether it's a conscious decision to stay silent, a forced silence, or a polite restraint.
Expressing the general idea of holding back from saying something, often when one has an urge to speak.
Literally 'to be prudent with one's mouth'. A common, slightly formal way to say 'hold one's tongue' or 'watch one's mouth'. Implies self-restraint in speech.
彼は怒っていたが、口を慎んだ。
He was angry, but he held his tongue.
Simply 'to be silent' or 'to keep quiet'. A very common and neutral way to express not speaking. Can be used in many contexts.
何か言いたかったけど、黙っていた。
I wanted to say something, but I held my tongue.
Literally 'to swallow one's words'. A vivid expression for holding back what one was about to say. Often used when stopping oneself mid-sentence.
彼女は反論しようとしたが、言葉を飲み込んだ。
She was about to argue, but she held her tongue.
Literally 'to stop saying'. A straightforward but less idiomatic way to express holding back speech. Can sound a bit blunt.
余計なことは言うのをやめた。
I held my tongue about unnecessary things.
When someone is told to stop talking, often in a harsh or commanding way.
The imperative form of 'damaru' (to be silent). A very direct and rude way to say 'Shut up!' or 'Hold your tongue!'. Used in strong commands.
「黙れ！」と彼は叫んだ。
"Hold your tongue!" he shouted.
Literally 'Shut your mouth!'. A strong, rude command similar to 'Shut up!' or 'Hold your tongue!'.
口を閉じろ、余計なことを言うな。
Hold your tongue and don't say unnecessary things.
A polite but firm way to ask someone to be quiet, like 'Please be quiet' or 'Hold your tongue' in a formal setting.
会議中ですので、お静かに願います。
We are in a meeting, so please hold your tongue.
Choosing not to speak about something confidential or sensitive.
An adjective phrase meaning 'tight-lipped' or 'able to keep a secret'. Describes a person who holds their tongue about confidential matters.
彼は口が堅いから、秘密を話しても大丈夫だ。
He holds his tongue well, so it's safe to tell him secrets.
Literally 'to protect a secret'. A straightforward way to say one keeps quiet about secrets.
彼女は秘密を守ると約束した。
She promised to hold her tongue about the secret.
A formal term meaning 'to remain silent' or 'to keep one's mouth shut', often used in legal or official contexts.
容疑者は黙秘権を行使した。
The suspect exercised the right to hold his tongue.
Holding back a sharp reply when provoked or insulted.
A verb meaning 'to endure' or 'to bear'. Often used for holding back words or emotions. '言葉を堪える' means to hold one's tongue.
彼の侮辱に、私は言葉を堪えた。
I held my tongue at his insult.
A common verb for 'to be patient' or 'to endure'. Can be used for holding back speech in frustrating situations.
言い返したいのを我慢した。
I held my tongue even though I wanted to talk back.
The literal translation '舌を抑える' (shita wo osaeru) is not used in Japanese and would not be understood as 'hold one's tongue'. Always use idiomatic expressions like 口を慎む or 黙っている.
黙る (damaru) simply means 'to become silent' and can be neutral or rude depending on context. 口を慎む (kuchi wo tsutsushimu) implies a conscious, often polite, self-restraint and is closer to the English idiom 'hold one's tongue' in many situations.