Translation guide
An inhibitor is something that slows down, blocks, or prevents a process, reaction, or behavior. In Japanese, the translation depends heavily on context: chemistry, biology, psychology, or general restraint.
A substance that reduces the rate of a chemical reaction or biological process, such as an enzyme inhibitor or corrosion inhibitor.
Standard term for a chemical or biological inhibitor. Used in scientific and technical contexts.
この酵素阻害剤は反応を遅らせる。
This enzyme inhibitor slows down the reaction.
Often used for inhibitors that suppress or control a process, like corrosion inhibitors or polymerization inhibitors.
腐食抑制剤を添加してください。
Please add a corrosion inhibitor.
Loanword from English, used in some scientific fields (e.g., biochemistry) but less common than 阻害剤.
このインヒビターはプロテアーゼに作用する。
This inhibitor acts on the protease.
Something that holds back a person's actions, emotions, or impulses; a mental block or social constraint.
Refers to the act of suppressing or restraining impulses, emotions, or behaviors. Often used in psychology.
彼は感情の抑制ができない。
He cannot control his emotions. (lit. He cannot do inhibition of emotions.)
Deterrence or prevention of an action, often used in social or legal contexts (e.g., crime deterrence).
Metaphorical 'brake' on behavior; used in casual speech to mean something that holds you back.
Anything that hinders or prevents an action or process; a limiting factor.
A factor that inhibits or obstructs something; used in business, economics, or general analysis.
成長の阻害要因を特定する必要がある。
We need to identify the inhibitors of growth.
Obstacle or hindrance; a more general term for something that gets in the way.
コミュニケーションの障害を取り除く。
Remove inhibitors to communication.
Literally 'shackles'; metaphorically something that inhibits freedom or progress.
Both translate to 'inhibitor' in chemistry. 阻害剤 (そがいざい) emphasizes blocking or hindering a reaction, while 抑制剤 (よくせいざい) emphasizes controlling or suppressing it. In many contexts they are interchangeable, but 阻害剤 is more common for enzyme inhibitors.
English 'inhibitor' is not used for a person who inhibits. In Japanese, use 抑制する人 or rephrase with verbs like 妨げる (さまたげる) or 抑える (おさえる).
Strict penalties lead to the inhibition (deterrence) of crime.
お酒を飲むとブレーキがきかなくなる。
When I drink, my inhibitions go away. (lit. the brake stops working)
古い規則が改革の足かせになっている。
Old rules are an inhibitor to reform.