Translation guide
The English word 'restraints' can refer to physical devices that limit movement, or to abstract limits on behavior or freedom. This guide covers both meanings and shows how to express them naturally in Japanese.
Devices used to physically restrict a person's movement, such as handcuffs, straps, or belts.
General term for physical restraint devices. Used in medical, police, or institutional contexts.
患者は拘束具でベッドに固定された。
The patient was secured to the bed with restraints.
Rules, laws, social norms, or conditions that restrict what people can do or say.
制約 is a formal, abstract constraint (e.g., legal, financial). 束縛 has a strong negative nuance of being tied down or oppressed (e.g., social norms, relationships). 制限 is a neutral, often concrete limit (e.g., time limit, speed limit). Choose based on the nuance you want to convey.
拘束 (こうそく) primarily means physical restraint or detention. Using it for abstract limits (like 'restraints on spending') would sound unnatural. Use 制約 or 制限 instead.
Specifically handcuffs. Common in police contexts.
警察官は容疑者に手錠をかけた。
The police officer put handcuffs on the suspect.
Restraint belts or straps, often used in medical or psychiatric settings.
看護師は拘束帯を使って患者の安全を確保した。
The nurse used restraint belts to ensure the patient's safety.
Literally 'things for tying up'. A very general, non-technical way to refer to restraints. Can sound vague.
彼は縛るものを探した。
He looked for something to use as restraints.
A broad term for constraints or restrictions, often used in formal or abstract contexts (legal, social, economic).
予算の制約で計画は中止になった。
The plan was canceled due to budget restraints.
表現の自由には法的な制約がある。
There are legal restraints on freedom of expression.
Implies being bound or tied down, often with a negative nuance of oppression or lack of freedom. Used for social rules, relationships, or psychological restraints.
彼は伝統の束縛から逃れたいと思った。
He wanted to escape the restraints of tradition.
Limits or restrictions, often concrete and measurable (time, amount, rules). More neutral than 束縛.
新しい法律は政府の権力に制限を加えた。
The new law placed restraints on government power.
Restraint in the sense of self-control or suppression of impulses. Often used in psychology or economics (e.g., impulse control, cost containment).
彼は怒りを抑制できなかった。
He couldn't exercise restraint over his anger.