Translation guide
The English word 'restrained' describes holding back emotions, actions, or expressions. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adjectives, verbs, and phrases that convey moderation, self-control, or understatement.
Describing a person who does not show strong emotions, or a manner that is calm and controlled.
An adjective meaning modest, reserved, or restrained. Commonly used for personality or behavior.
彼女はとても控えめな人です。
She is a very restrained person.
An adjective meaning calm, composed, or restrained. Often used for atmosphere or demeanor.
彼の話し方は落ち着いている。
His way of speaking is restrained.
A verb phrase meaning to suppress or restrain one's emotions.
彼は怒りを抑えた。
He restrained his anger.
A verb meaning to control oneself, exercise self-restraint.
彼は自制して冷静に対応した。
He restrained himself and responded calmly.
Describing a situation where movement or action is physically limited or held back.
A verb meaning to restrain physically, bind, or confine. Often used in legal or formal contexts.
警察は容疑者を拘束した。
The police restrained the suspect.
A verb meaning to hold back, suppress, or restrain. Can be used for physical force or abstract things.
彼は暴れる男を抑えた。
He restrained the violent man.
A verb meaning to restrict or limit. Often used for rules or physical boundaries.
このエリアは立ち入りが制限されている。
Access to this area is restrained.
Describing a style, design, or expression that is not showy or excessive.
An adjective meaning plain, simple, or restrained in appearance. Often used for clothing or design.
彼女の服装は地味だ。
Her outfit is restrained.
Also used for style, meaning modest or understated.
An adjective meaning subdued, tasteful, and restrained. Often used for colors or aesthetics, with a nuance of refined simplicity.
控えめ (hikaeme) emphasizes modesty and not standing out, while 落ち着いた (ochitsuita) emphasizes calmness and composure. Use 控えめ for personality or behavior that avoids attention, and 落ち着いた for a serene, unflustered demeanor.
The English verb 'restrain' can be translated as 抑える (osaeru) or 拘束する (kōsoku suru), but these are not always interchangeable. 拘束する implies physical confinement, often by authorities, while 抑える is broader and can mean holding back emotions, impulses, or physical force.
このレストランの内装は控えめで落ち着く。
The interior of this restaurant is restrained and calming.
He is wearing a restrained tie.