Translation guide
The English word "restrictive" describes something that limits freedom, movement, or scope. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through adjectives, verbs, and grammatical patterns that convey limitation, narrowness, or binding constraints.
Describing rules, laws, environments, or conditions that restrict what people can do or how they can act.
The most direct equivalent, used for policies, regulations, or systems that impose limits. Common in formal and written contexts.
この法律は表現の自由に対して制限的だ。
This law is restrictive regarding freedom of expression.
Emphasizes binding or confining restrictions, often used for contracts, obligations, or social norms.
その契約は非常に拘束的で、抜け出すのが難しい。
The contract is very restrictive and hard to get out of.
Means 'limited' or 'restrictive' in the sense of narrow scope or applicability. Often used for conditions, access, or interpretations.
この規則の適用は限定的だ。
The application of this rule is restrictive.
Describing clothing, spaces, or physical constraints that limit movement or comfort.
Commonly used for tight clothing, cramped spaces, or situations that feel stifling. Carries a nuance of discomfort.
このジャケットは窮屈で動きにくい。
This jacket is restrictive and hard to move in.
部屋が窮屈で息が詰まりそうだ。
The room is so restrictive it feels suffocating.
Literally 'constricting' or 'tightening', used for clothing or physical sensations that feel oppressively tight.
このベルトは締め付けるような感じがする。
This belt feels restrictive.
In linguistics, referring to clauses or modifiers that limit the reference of a noun (e.g., restrictive relative clauses).
Technical term for 'restrictive usage' in grammar, such as restrictive relative clauses. Used in academic or teaching contexts.
この関係代名詞は制限用法で使われている。
This relative pronoun is used in a restrictive sense.
Means 'restrictive modification', used in linguistic analysis to describe modifiers that narrow down meaning.
この形容詞は限定的修飾として機能する。
This adjective functions as a restrictive modifier.
Describing a diet or lifestyle that severely limits what one can eat or do.
Common phrase for a strict or restrictive diet, often used in health or fitness contexts.
彼は厳しい食事制限をしている。
He is on a restrictive diet.
Literally 'a meal with many restrictions', used to describe a diet that is very limiting.
このプランは制限の多い食事だけど、効果はある。
This plan involves a restrictive diet, but it works.
制限的 emphasizes the act of imposing limits, often with a negative connotation of oppression. 限定的 simply means 'limited' in scope or range, and can be neutral or even positive when describing focused efforts.
While 制限する means 'to restrict', using it as an adjective (制限している) to describe a thing can sound unnatural. Prefer 制限的 or rephrase with a relative clause.