Translation guide
The English word 'restraining' can refer to physically holding someone back, controlling emotions or impulses, or legally limiting actions. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To physically prevent someone from moving or acting, often by holding them.
General term for holding someone down or restraining physically. Can be used for both people and objects.
The police restrained the violent man.
To seize and hold someone, often used when capturing a suspect or stopping a fight.
The security guard restrained the thief.
Formal term for restraining or detaining someone, often used in legal or official contexts.
The suspect was restrained by the police.
To hold back feelings, desires, or urges.
To suppress or control emotions, laughter, anger, etc. Note: same reading as 押さえる but different kanji for abstract control.
He couldn't restrain his anger.
To endure or hold back tears, laughter, or pain. Often used for involuntary reactions.
To exercise self-restraint; a more formal or psychological term for controlling one's own behavior.
To impose legal or formal restrictions on someone's freedom or activities.
To restrict or limit actions, rights, or movements. Common in legal and everyday contexts.
The court restrained his activities.
To legally detain or restrain someone's freedom. Overlaps with physical restraint but emphasizes legal custody.
He is legally restrained.
To issue an injunction or legally prohibit an action. Used in legal contexts like restraining orders.
Both read おさえる but use different kanji. 押さえる is for physical restraint (pressing/holding down), while 抑える is for abstract control (suppressing emotions, inflation, etc.).
He held her hand down (physically).
He suppressed his laughter.
Direct translations like 抑制する (よくせいする) can sound overly technical or formal. Use 押さえる/抑える for everyday situations unless context demands formality.
彼女は涙をこらえた。
She restrained her tears.
He restrained himself and didn't show his anger.
The court restrained the publication.